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A    LIFE    OF    CHRIS 

__ 

FOR, 

YOUNG    PEOPLE 


IN 

QUESTIONS  AND  ANSWERS 


"BY 

MARY  HASTINGS  FOOTE 


\^.  NEW   YORK 

HARPER   &   BROTHERS    PUBLISHERS 
1895 


Af 

\v 


13 


Copyright,  1895,  by  MARY  HASTINGS  FOOTE. 
All  rights  reserved. 


PREFACE 

THE  object  of  this  little  book  is  to  meet  a  need  which 
the  writer  has  often  felt  during  many  years  of  teaching 
both  in  the  Sunday  School  and  at  home.  The  value  of 
questions  and  answers  to  be  used  in  reviewing  the 
study  of  the  life  of  Christ,  any  one,  who  has  under- 
taken to  teach  young  minds  on  that  subject,  will  readily 
understand. 

These  questions  and  answers  are  short  and  simple. 
The  events  are  treated,  as  nearly  as  possible,  in  the 
order  in  which  they  occurred. 

It  is  hoped  that  this  book  may  prove  acceptable  and 
useful  in  homes  where  parents  desire  to  teach  their 
children,  but  are  embarrassed  by  the  want  of  suitable 
helps.  It  might  also  be  adopted  for  use  in  day  schools, 
or  in  boarding  schools,  where  it  is  not  convenient  to 
study  the  Gospels  in  connection  with  a  regular  Sunday 
School. 

The  effort  has  been  made  to  bring  out  and  impress 
the  historical  facts  in  regard  to  Christ,  His  works  and 
His  words,  the  geography  of  the  country  where  He 
lived,  and  the  habits  and  customs  of  its  people. 

The  simple  facts  of  Christ's  life,  if  studied  and  inti- 
mately known,  are  more  convincing  and  elevating  than 
pages  of  so  called  "  applications." 

The  work  is  the  result  of  earnest  reading  and  study 
of  the  best  Bible  Commentaries,  Dictionaries,  Ancient 
Histories,  The  Life  of  Christ,  by  many  different  writers, 


IV  PREFACE 

notes  on  the  Miracles  and  Parables  by  the  best  known 
authors.  In  fact  all  the  best  authorities  on  the  subject 
have  been  consulted  and  the  information  obtained  from 
them  is  condensed  and  arranged  in  these  questions  and 
answers.  I  would  gratefully  acknowledge  the  criticisms 
and  suggestions  which  have  been  kindly  given  me  by 
my  father,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Thomas  S.  Hastings  and  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  David  H.  Greer,  the  Rev.  Dr.  Charles  H. 
Parkhurst,  and  the  Rev.  Dr.  Marvin  R.  Vincent. 

M.  H.  F. 

NEW  YOKK,  September  1st,  1895. 


CONTENTS 

LESSON  I. 
QUESTIONS 


PAGE 

The  books  of  the  New  Testament.  The  four  Gospels,  and 
their  authors.  The  situation  of  Palestine.  Condition 
of  the  Roman  Empire.  Christ's  birth  foretold,  .  .  1 

LESSON   II. 
QUESTIONS  44-95 

The  Annunciation.     Joseph  and  Mary.     Herod  the  Great  ; 

his  character  and  work.  The  birth  of  Christ.     The  pres- 

entation in  the  Temple.  The  wise  men  from  the  East. 

The  flight  into  Egypt,  .......      5 

LESSON  III. 
QUESTIONS  95-146 

Massacre  of  the  Innocents.  The  return  to  Nazareth.  Christ's 
childhood.  The  Feast  of  the  Passover.  Jesus  with  the 
doctors  in  the  Temple.  The  return  to  Nazareth.  The 
Pharisees,  ..........  10 

LESSON   IV. 
QUESTIONS  146-199 

The  Sadducees.  The  Essenes.  The  Scribes.  The  birth  of 
John  the  Baptist.  His  growth  in  the  desert.  John  on 
the  shores  of  the  Jordan  ........  17 


VI  CONTENTS 

LESSON  V. 
QUESTIONS  199-249 

PAGE 

The  preaching  of  John.  The  Baptism  of  Christ.  The  temp- 
tation in  the  wilderness, 23 

LESSON   VI. 
QUESTIONS  249-296 

The  Sanhedrin  sends  to  question  John.  John's  testimony 
to  Christ.  The  first  disciples.  Philip  and  Nathanael. 
The  first  miracle  at  Cana, .28 

LESSON   VII. 
QUESTIONS  296-338 

Christ  at  Capernaum.     He  goes  to  Jerusalem.     Description 

of  Jerusalem,  and  of  the  Temple,      .         .         .         .         .33 

LESSON   VIII. 

QUESTIONS  338-378 

The  Temple,  concluded.     Christ  cleanses  the  Temple,     .        ,     39 

LESSON   IX. 
QUESTIONS  378-413 

Nicodemus.  The  last  testimony  of  John.  His  imprison- 
ment. Jesus  at  Jacob's  well.  The  enmity  between  the 
Jews  and  the  Samaritans,  ......  44 

LESSON  X. 
QUESTIONS  412-451 

Christ's  conversation  with  the  Samaritan  woman.     His  stay 

at  Sychar.     Heals  the  nobleman's  son  at  Cana,          .         .     49 


CONTENTS  VH 

LESSON  XI. 
QUESTIONS  451-477 

PAGE 

Christ  in  the  Synagogue  at  Nazareth.  Description  of  Syna- 
gogues. Christ  rejected  at  Nazareth,  goes  to  Capernaum. 
Description  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  .  .  .  .  .54 

LESSON   XII. 
QUESTIONS  477-516 

The  call  of  the  Four  at  Capernaum.  Miraculous  draught  of 
fishes.  Christ  heals  a  man  with  an  evil  spirit.  Heals 
Peter's  wife's  mother.  A  day  of  miracles  at  Capernaum. 
First  preaching  tour  in  Galilee.  The  healing  of  a  leper,  58 

LESSON   XIII. 
QUESTIONS  516-547 

Christ  returns  to  Capernaum.  Heals  the  paralytic.  The  call 
of  Matthew.  The  feast  at  Matthew's  house.  Murmurs 
of  the  Pharisees.  Christ  goes  to  Jerusalem,  .  .  .63 

LESSON   XIV. 
QUESTIONS  547-578 

The  infirm  man  at  the  Pool  of  Bethesda.  The  Sabbath  day 
and  its  observance  by  the  Jews.  The  return  to  Galilee. 
The  disciples  pluck  ears  of  corn  on  the  Sabbath,  .  .  67 

LESSON   XV. 
QUESTIONS  578-609 

The  healing  of  the  withered  hand.  The  Pharisees  take  coun- 
cil with  the  Herodians.  The  multitudes  at  the  Sea  of 
Galilee.  Jesus  withdraws  to  the  mountain  and  chooses 
the  Twelve.  The  multitudes  follow  Him.  The  Sermon 
on  the  Mount, 72 


Vlll  CONTENTS 

LESSON   XVI. 
QUESTIONS  609-634 

PAGE 

The  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  continued.  The  Law  and  the 
Gospel, 76 

LESSON  XVII. 
QUESTIONS  634-669 

True  and  false  disciples.  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  concluded. 
Christ  returns  to  Capernaum.  Heals  the  Centurion's 
servant.  The  raising  of  the  widow's  son  at  Nain. 
Funeral  customs  of  the  Jews.  John  the  Baptist  in 
prison,  sends  messengers  to  Christ,  .  .  .  .  .80 

LESSON   XVIII. 
QUESTIONS  669-698 

Anointing  of  our  Lord  in  the  house  of  Simon  the  Pharisee. 
Social  customs  of  the  Jews.  The  second  tour  through 
Galilee.  The  healing  of  one  blind  and  dumb,  and  pos- 
sessed with  a  devil.  The  Scribes  and  Pharisees  blas- 
pheme. Christ's  warning  to  them.  The  true  disciples 
of  our  Lord  are  His  family, 84 

LESSON   XIX. 

QUESTIONS  698-730 

Christ  begins  to  teach  in  Parables,     The  Sower.     The  Tares,     89 

LESSON  XX. 
QUESTIONS  730-767 

The  Mustard  Seed.  The  Leaven.  The  Treasure  Hid  in  a 
Field.  The  Pearl  of  Great  Price.  The  lessons  of  these 
Parables.  The  Tempest  stilled.  The  Gaddarene  demon- 
iacs, ...........  93 


CONTENTS  IX 

LESSON  XXI. 
QUESTIONS  767-795 

PAGE 

The  raising  of  Jairus'  daughter.  Mourning  customs  of  the 
Jews.  The  healing  of  the  two  blind  men  and  of  the 
dumb  demoniac, 98 

LESSON  XXII. 
QUESTIONS  795-823 

The  second  rejection  at  Nazareth.  Third  preaching  tour 
through  Galilee.  The  Twelve  sent  forth.  Christ's  in- 
structions to  them.  Death  of  John  the  Baptist,  .  .  102 

LESSON  XXIII. 
QUESTIONS  823-850 

The  return  of  the  Twelve.  The  feeding  of  the  five  thou- 
sand. Jesus  walking  on  the  Sea, 106 

LESSON   XXIV. 
QUESTIONS  850-878 

The  multitude  find  Christ  in  the  Synagogue  at  Capernaum. 
His  discourse  on  the  Bread  of  Life.  Many  followers 
turn  back.  Discourse  on  eating  with  unwashen  hands,  .  109 

LESSON  XXV. 

QUESTIONS  878-904 

The  journey  into  Northern  Galilee.  The  healing  of  the 
Syrophenician  woman's  daughter.  The  return  through 
Decapolis.  A  deaf  and  dumb  man  healed;  also  many 
others.  The  Feeding  of  the  Four  Thousand.  The  Phar- 
isees and  Sadducees  demand  a  sign  from  Heaven,  .  .  114 


X  CONTENTS 

LESSON  XXVI. 
QUESTIONS  904-941 

PAGE 

A  blind  man  healed  near  Betlisaida.  The  journey  North  to 
Caesarea  Philippi.  Peter's  confession.  Christ  foretells 
His  death  and  resurrection.  The  Transfiguration,  .  .  118 

LESSON   XXVII. 
QUESTIONS  941-972 

The  healing  of  the  lunatic  boy,  whom  the  disciples  could  not 
heal.  Christ  again  foretells  His  death  and  resurrection. 
The  shekel  in  the  fish's  mouth.  The  disciples  contend 
who  should  be  greatest.  Christ's  discourse  on  humility,  123 

LESSON   XXVIII. 
QUESTIONS  972-1004 

Discourse  on  forgiveness.  The  parable  of  the  Unmerciful 
Servant.  Jesus  goes  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the  Feast  of 
Tabernacles.  The  people  wonder  at  His  wisdom.  The 
Sanhedrin  send  to  arrest  Christ,  but  the  officers  return 
without  having  laid  hands  on  Him, 127 

LESSON   XXIX. 
QUESTIONS  1004-1043 

Discourse  on  the  Light  of  the  World.  Discourse  on  spiritual 
freedom.  The  Jews  seek  to  stone  Jesus,  but  He  escapes. 
The  healing  of  the  man  born  blind, 132 

LESSON   XXX. 
QUESTIONS  1043-1070 

Discourse  on  the  Good  Shepherd.  The  seventy  sent  forth. 
Christ  journeys  toward  Jerusalem.  He  is  rejected  by 
the  Samaritans, 137 


CONTENTS  XI 

LESSON   XXXI. 
QUESTIONS  1070-1101 

PAGE 

A  lawyer  instructed.  The  parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan. 
The  disciples  again  taught  how  to  pray.  The  parable 
of  the  Friend  at  Midnight.  The  healing  of  the  dumb 
demoniac.  Woes  against  the  Pharisees,  ....  141 

LESSON   XXXII. 
QUESTIONS  1101-1128 

A  warning  against  covetousness.  The  parable  of  the  Foolish 
Rich  Man.  Discourse  on  Watchfulness.  The  Galileans 
slain  by  Pilate.  The  parable  of  the  Fig-tree.  The  heal- 
ing on  the  Sabbath  day,  of  the  woman  with  a  spirit  of 
infirmity, 146 

LESSON  XXXIII. 
QUESTIONS  1128-1158 

The  question  whether  few  are  saved.  A  warning  against 
Herod.  The  visit  to  Martha  and  Mary  at  Bethany.  Jesus 
goes  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the  Feast  of  Dedication,  .  150 

LESSON   XXXIV. 
QUESTIONS  1158-1183 

Discourse  at  a  chief  Pharisee's  table.  The  healing  on  the 
Sabbath  day  of  a  man  with  the  dropsy.  The  parable  of 
the  Great  Supper.  Discourse  on  Counting  the  Cost,  .  155 

LESSON  XXXV. 
QUESTIONS  1183-1198 

The  parable  of  the   Lost  Sheep.     The  parable  of  the  Lost 

Piece  of  Silver.     The  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Son,         .  159 


Xll  CONTENTS 

LESSON  XXXVI. 
QUESTIONS  1198-1219 

PAGE 

The  parable  of  the  Unjust  Steward.  The  parable  of  the  Rich 
Man  and  Lazarus 163 

LESSON   XXXVII. 

QUESTIONS  1219-1248 

The  raising  of  Lazarus, 167 

LESSON   XXXVIII. 
QUESTIONS  1248-1272 

The  raising  of  Lazarus  (concluded).  The  meeting  of  the 
Sanhedrin  to  decide  upon  Christ's  death.  The  withdrawal 
to  Ephraim.  The  ten  Lepers,  ......  171 

LESSON  XXXIX. 
QUESTIONS  1272-1299 

The  coming  of  the  Kingdom.  The  parable  of  the  Unjust 
Judge.  The  parable  of  the  Pharisee  and  the  Publican. 
Christ  blessing  little  children.  The  rich  young  ruler,  .  176 

LESSON   XL. 
QUESTIONS  1299-1324 

The  parable  of  the  Laborers  in  the  Vineyard.  Christ  fore- 
tells His  Crucifixion.  Request  of  James  and  John.  The 
healing  of  blind  Bartimeus  near  Jericho,  .  ,  .  .180 

LESSON   XLI. 
QUESTIONS  1324-1352 

The  visit  to  Zaccheus.  The  parable  of  the  Ten  Pounds. 
Jesus  arrives  at  Bethany  six  days  before  the  Passover. 
The  anointing  of  Jesus  by  Mary  in  the  house  of  Simon 
the  Leper,  .........  185 


CONTENTS  xiii 

LESSON  XLII. 
QUESTIONS  1353-1377 

PAGE 

The  Triumphal  Entry.     Christ  prophesies  the  destruction  of 

Jerusalem.     The  fig-tree  withered, 189 

LESSON   XLIII. 
QUESTIONS  1377-1408 

The  second  cleansing  of  the  Temple.  Christ's  authority  chal- 
lenged. The  parable  of  the  Two  Sons.  The  parable  of 
the  Wicked  Husbandmen, 194 

LESSON   XLIV. 
QUESTIONS  1408-1434 

The  parable  of  the   Marriage  of  the  King's  Son.     Insidious 

questions  of  the  Pharisees  and  Herodians,         .         .         .  198 

LESSON   XLV. 
QUESTIONS  1434-1461 

The  questions  of  the  Sadducees  and  Scribes.  Christ's  unan- 
swerable questions.  Woes  against  the  Scribes  and  Phar- 
isees. The  Widow's  Mite, 203 

LESSON   XLVI. 
QUESTIONS  1461-1486 

Certain  Greeks  seek  Jesus.  Christ's  prayer  and  the  voice 
from  Heaven.  Jesus  prophesies  the  destruction  of  Jeru- 
salem and  the  end  of  the  world, 207 

LESSON   XLVII. 

QUESTIONS  1486-1512 

The  parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins.     The  parable  of  the  Talents,  211 


xiv  CONTENTS 

LESSON    XLVIII. 
QUESTIONS  1512-1533 

PAGE 

The  plot  of  Judas  with  the  Sanhedrin  against  Jesus.  Prepa- 
ration for  the  Passover.  Contention  among  the  Twelve. 
Jesus  washes  the  disciples'  feet 216 

LESSON   XLIX. 
QUESTIONS  1533-1555 

The  traitor  pointed  out.     Judas  withdraws.     Jesus  foretells 

Peter's  denial.     The  Lord's  Supper  instituted,          .         .  219 

LESSON  L. 
QUESTIONS  1555-1580 

Christ's  farewell  discourses.     His  intercessory  prayer.     The 

Singing  of  the  Hallel.     The  Agony  in  Gethsemane,  .         .  223 

LESSON   LI. 

QUESTIONS  1580-1608 

The  betrayal  and  arrest.      Jesus  before  Annas  and  Caiaphas. 

John  and  Peter  follow  Jesus  to  the  palace  of  Caiaphas,    .  227 

LESSON   LIT. 
QUESTIONS  1608-1630 

The  night  session  of  the   Sanhedrin.     Peter's  denial.     The 

morning  session  of  the  Sanhedrin.     Christ  condemned,    .  232 

LESSON   LIII. 
QUESTIONS  1630-1653 

Judas'  remorse  and  suicide.     The    Sanhedrin  lead  Jesus  to 

Pilate.     The  first  trial  before  Pilate,         .         .        .         .236 


CONTENTS  XV 

LESSON   LIV. 
QUESTIONS  1653-1672 

PAGE 

Pilate  sends  Jesus  to  Herod  Antipas.  The  second  trial  before 
Pilate.  Pilate  seeks  to  release  Jesus.  The  Jews  demand 
Barabbas.  Christ  scourged  and  mocked,  .  .  .  240 

LESSON   LV. 
QUESTIONS  1672-1696 

The   final   condemnation.      Jesus   led  away  to  be  crucified. 

Calvary, 243 

LESSON   LVI. 
QUESTIONS  1696-1722 

Christ  nailed  to  the  cross.     The  Jews  mock  at  Jesus.     Christ 

commends  His  mother  to  St.  John,    .         .  •  .         .  247 

LESSON   LVII. 
QUESTIONS  1722-1740 

Darkness  prevails.  Christ  gives  up  the  Ghost.  The  veil  of 
the  Temple  rent,  and  the  graves  opened.  The  taking 
down  from  the  cross.  The  burial, 252 

LESSON   LVIII. 
QUESTIONS  1740-1768 

The  watch  at  the  sepulchre.  The  Resurrection  morning. 
Visit  of  the  women  to  the  sepulchre.  The  empty  tomb. 
The  vision  of  the  Angels.  Christ's  appearance  to  Mary 
Magdalene, 256 


XVI  CONTENTS 

LESSON   LIX. 
QUESTIONS  1768-1797 

PAGE 

Christ's  appearance  to  the  women  of  Galilee.  The  report  of 
the  watch.  Christ  appears  to  two  disciples  on  the  way 
to  Emmaus.  The  appearance  to  the  Ten  in  Jerusalem,  .  261 

LESSON   LX. 
QUESTIONS  1797-1820 

The  appearance  to  the  Eleven.  The  doubting  Thomas. 
The  Apostles  return  to  Galilee.  Christ  appears  to  seven 
of  them  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee.  The  second  miraculous 
draught  of  fishes, 266 

LESSON  LXI. 
QUESTIONS  1820-1839 

Christ's  appearance  to  the  Eleven  on  a  mountain  in  Galilee. 
His  last  charge  to  them.  Christ  is  seen  of  James  ;  then, 
of  all  the  Apostles  in  Jerusalem.  Feast  of  the  Pentecost. 
The  final  appearance  and  the  ascension,  ....  270 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR 
YOUNG  PEOPLE 


LESSON  I. 

1.  How  many  looks  are  there  in  the  New  Testament  9 
Twenty-seven. 

2.  In  what  language  were  they  written  9 
In  Greek. 

3.  What  are  the  first  four  books  called  f 
The  four  Gospels. 

4.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  tvord  Gospel  9 
Good  news,  or  good  tidings. 

5.  Why  are  these  four  looks  called  Gospels  9 
Because  they  tell  us  of  the  life  and  death  of  our 

Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

6.  Name  the  first  four  books  of  the  New  Testament. 
St.  Matthew,  St.  Mark,  St.  Luke,  and  St.  John. 

7.  Who  were  St.  Matthew,  St.  Mark,  St.  Luke,  and 
St.  John  9 

They  were  the  four  Evangelists  or  Gospel  writers, 

8.  Which  two  were  also  apostles  9 
St.  Matthew  and  St.  John. 

9.  Which  other  books  of  the  New  Testament  did  St. 

John  write  9 
l 


2  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

The  three  Epistles  which  bear  his  name,  and  the 
book  of  the  Revelation. 

10.  Which  other  book  did  St.  Luke  write  ? 
The  Acts  of  the  Apostles. 

11.  Does  each  of  the  four  Evangelists  tell  the  same 
story  ? 

Yes  ;  but  each  in  his  own  words  and  from  his  own 
personal  knowledge  of  Christ,  or  from  information  ob- 
tained from  Christ's  disciples. 

12.  Who  was  St.  Matthew  9 

St.  Matthew  was  a  publican  or  tax-gatherer. 

13.  Who  was  St.  Mark  ? 

St.  Mark  was  a  friend  of  St.  Paul  and  St.  Peter. 

14.  Who  was  St.  Luke  9 

St.  Luke  was  a  physician,  a  learned  man  and  a  com- 
panion of  St.  Paul. 

15.  Who  was  St.  John  ? 

St.  John  was  a  fisherman,  and  the  beloved  disciple  of 
Christ. 

16.  When  was  the  Gospel  of  St.  John  written  ? 

St.  John  lived  to  be  a  very  old  man.  He  wrote  his 
Gospel  some  f oi'ty  years  after  the  other  three  had  become 
well  known.  It  was  one  of  the  latest  of  the  New  Testa- 
ment books. 

17.  How  does  it  differ  from  the  other  three   Gos- 
pels? 

The  events  given  are  chiefly  those  omitted  in  the 
others.  They  took  place  largely  in  Judea. 

18.  Mention  other  peculiarities  of  the  book. 

None  of  the  parables,  and  only  one  of  the  miracles 
found  in  the  other  Gospels,  are  given  by  St.  John. 

19.  What  great  discourse  of  Christ  is  given  only  in 
this  Gospel? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  3 

His  farewell  words  to  His  disciples,  in  the  14th,  15th, 
16th,  and  17th  chapters. 

20.  Where  did  Christ  live  ivhen  here  on  earth  ? 
In  Palestine,  called  the  Holy  Land. 

21.  By  what  name  was  this  same  country  known  in 
the  time  of  Moses  ? 

Canaan,  or  the  land  of  promise. 

22.  Why  the  land  of  promise  V 

Because  God  promised  the  land  as  an  inheritance  to 
the  Jews. 

23.  Where  is  it  situated  9 

On  the  western  coast  of  Asia  Minor,  south  of  Syria, 
on  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 

24.  Into  how  many  parts  was  Palestine  divided  at  the 
time  of  Christ's  birth  9 

Three. 

25.  Name  them,  beginning  with  the  most  northern 
division. ,  \, 

— xGalileeXSamaria,  and  audea. 

26.  Why  was  Palestine  chosen  as  the  place  for  the  birth 
of  Christ  9 

Because  it  was  then  central  to  the  civilized  world  ; 
and  was  a  thoroughfare  through  which  travellers  passed 
constantly  going  from  one  country  to  another. 

27.  Why  was  it  then  a  peculiarly  good  time  for  the 
coming  of  Christ  9 

Because  the  whole  civilized  world  was  at  peace,  and, 
for  the  only  time  in  its  history,  was  united  under  the 
government  of  one  Empire. 

28.  What  Empire  was  this  9 
The  Roman  Empire. 

29.  Who  was  the  Emperor  of  Rome  ? 
XAugustus. 


4  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

30.  What  was  the  condition  of  the  Empire  f 

It  was  prosperous  ;  the  magnificent  roads  which  had 
been  built  to  the  most  distant  points  made  travelling 
comparatively  easy,  and  thus  the  Gospel  news  could  be 
rapidly  spread  from  place  to  place. 

31.  What  language  was  spoken  throughout  the  whole 
of  the  civilized  world  at  this  time  9 

Greek;  thus  the  Gospel  could  be  preached  everywhere. 

32.  What  three  nations  were  then  united  ? 
The  Jejti^h,  the  Greek,  and  the  Roman. 

33.  What  does  the  world  owe  chiefly  to  the  Roman 
nation  ? 

Its  laws. 

34.  What  to  the  Greek  nation  ? 
Its  art  and  philosophy. 

35.  What  to  the  Jewish  or  Hebrew  nation  ? 
Its  religion. 

36.  Had  the  coming  of  CJirist  been  foretold  ? 
Yes. 

37.  By  whom  9 

By  most  of  the  prophets  in  the  Old  Testament. 

38.  What  prophet  foretold  more  of  Christ's  coming, 
and  of  His  kingdom,  than  any  other  ? 

—  Isaiah. 

39.  What  prophet  foretold  the  place  of  His  birth  ? 
Micah.    (Mic.  v.  2.) 

40.  What  are  all  these  prophecies  called? 
The  Messianic  prophecies. 

41.  Why  the  Messianic  prophecies  9 

Because  they  foretold  the  coming  of  the  Messiah  or 
Christ. 

42.  What  does  "  Messiah  "  mean  ? 
anointed. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  5 

43.  What  did  the  Jews  expect  of  Christ  ? 

The  Jews  had  suffered  seventy  years  captivity  in 
Babylon,  and  had  been  oppressed  by  different  nations, 
and  they  expected  that  the  Messiah  would  conquer  all 
their  enemies,  and  make  their  nation  the  most  power- 
ful in  the  world. 

LESSON  II. 

ST.  LUKE  I.  26-38  ;  II.  1-38  ;  ST.  MATT.  II.  1-14 

44.  Who  was  the  mother  of  Christ  ? 
Mary. 

45.  Where  did  she  live? 
In  Nazareth  of  Galilee. 

46.  Who  announced  the  birth  of  Christ  to  her  ? 
The  angel  Gabriel. 

47.  What  did  he  say  to  Mary  ? 

He  said  that  she  was  blessed  among  women,  that 
God  had  chosen  her  to  be  the  mother  of  Jesus,  the  Son 
of  God,  the  greatest  of  all  kings,  whose  kingdom  should 
last  for  ever  and  ever. 

48.  Whom  did  Mary  marry  f 
/>- Joseph,  a  carpenter. 

49.  Where  was  Jesus  born  ? 
In  Bethlehem  of  Judea. 

50.  In  what  year  ? 

In  B.  c.  4.  This  date  is  accounted  for  by  a  mistake 
in  early  reckoning. 

51.  When  was  the  present  computation  of  dates  adopted  ? 
In  Italy,  A.  D.  525,  and  in  England,  A.  D.  816. 

52.  How  far  from  Nazareth  (Mary's  home)  was  Beth- 
lehem t 

Between  sixty  and  seventy  inilea. 


6  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

53.  Wlwm  had  Augustus  appointed  ruler  over  Pales- 
tine f 

Herod,  called  the  Great. 

54.  WJiat  kind  of  a  man  was  lie  9 

He  was  cruel  and  unscrupulous  ;  his  life,  domestic 
and  public,  was  stained  by  every  kind  of  wickedness. 

55.  He  married  ten  times — to  only  one  of  his  wives 
was  he  really  attached.     What  was  her  name  9 

Mariamne. 

56.  What  happened  to  her  9 

In  a  fit  of  jealous  rage  Herod  ordered  her  to  be 
executed. 

57.  Mention  some  others  who  suffered  death  at  his 
command. 

His  three  sons,  his  wife's  mother,  brother,  and  grand- 
father, and  many  others. 

58.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  Mm  ? 

With  hatred  and  suspicion.  He  was  a  heathen,  and 
introduced  heathen  customs  into  Jerusalem. 

59.  What  did  he  do  to  appease  this  hatred  ? 
He  rebuilt  the  Temple  in  great  magnificence. 

60.  What  large  city  did  he  build  on  the  Mediterranean 
coast  of  Palestine  9 

Caesarea. 

61.  When  he  Tcneiu  that  his  end  was  approaching,  ivhat 
terrible  order  did  he  give  9 

He  ordered  the  chiefs  of  the  Jewish  nation  to  be 
imprisoned  in  the  hippodrome  at  Jericho,  and  com- 
manded that  at  his  death  all  these  innocent  men  should 
be  killed,  in  order  that  when  he  died  there  might  be 
general  mourning. 

62.  Was  this  cruel  order  executed  9 

No ;  after  Herod  died  his  sister  set  all  the  prisoners 
free. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  7 

63.  How  long  had  he  reigned,  and  what  was  Ms  age  at 
the  time  of  Christ's  birth  ? 

He  had  reigned  over  thirty  years,  and  was  nearly 
seventy  years  old. 

64.  What  decree  or  order  was  sent  out  ? 

That  all  the  people  of  Palestine  should  be  enrolled. 
In  the  account  in  St.  Luke's  Gospel,  the  word  taxed  is 
used  ;  but  as,  according  to  history,  there  was  no  tax 
levied  at  this  time,  the  Revised  Version  substitutes  the 
word  enrolled. 

65.  According  to  the  Jewish  rule,  how  must  this  be 
done  9 

Every  Jew  to  be  enrolled  must  go  to  the  place  where 
his  family  or  tribe  originally  belonged. 
.— .     66.   Of  what  tribe  and  family  were  Mary  and  Joseph  ? 
^  .XH  the  tribe  of  Judah,  and  the  family  of  King  jJayjiL^' 

6 7.  Why  then  were  Mary  and  Joseph  in  Bethlehem 
at  the  time  of  Christ's  birth  ? 

Because  King  David  was  born  in  Bethlehem.  Mary 
and  Joseph,  being  descendants  of  his,  had  gone  there  to 
register. 

68.  Where  were  they  lodged  ? 

In  that  part  of  the  inn  where  the  cattle  were  kept ; 
possibly  a  natural  hollow  or  cave  in  the  hillside  against 
which  the  inn  was  built.  Such  caves  are  still  seen  in 
Palestine. 

69.  Why  could  they  not  find  better  room  ? 

Because  the  inn  was  already  crowded  when  they 
arrived. 

70.  When  dirist  was  born,  where  was  He  laid  ? 

In  a  manger,  or  trough  from  which  the  animals  were 
fed. 

71.  To  whom  was  His  birth  first  announced  ? 


8  A    LIFE    OF   CHRIST   FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

To  some  shepherds  "abiding  in  the  field,  keeping 
watch  over  their  flocks  by  night." 

72.  By  whom  was  the  announcement  made  ? 

By  an  angel  who  appeared  to  them  in  a  glory  of 
light,  which  made  them  sore  afraid. 

73.  What  did  the  angel  say  f 

^X    "  Fear  not ;  for  behold,  I  bring  you  good  tidings  of 
great  joy>  which  shall  be  to  all  people."     (Luke  ii.  10.) 

74.  What  else  did  the  angel  tell  them  ? 

That  Christ  the  Saviour  had  been  born  in  Bethlehem, 
the  city  of  David,  and  that  they  would  find  Him  lying 
in  the  manger. 

75.  What  then  happened  ? 

Suddenly  a  host  of  angels  appeared  singing,  "  Glory 
to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace,  good  will 
towards  men." 

76.  What  did  the  shepherds  do  9 

They  hurried  into  Bethlehem,  found  the  child  Christ 
lying  in  the  manger,  then  went  and  told  every  one  what 
they  had  seen  and  heard. 

77.  When  Jesus  was  forty  days  old,  where  did  Joseph 
and  Mary  take  him  ? 

To  Jerusalem. 

78.  How  far  was  Jerusalem  from  Bethlehem  ? 
Six  miles. 

79.  Why  did  Mary  and  Joseph  take  Jesus  to  Jerusalem  ? 
To  present  Him  to  the  Lord  in  the  Temple  and  to  offer 

Up  a  sacrifice  for  Him. 

80.  While  there  who  took  Jesus  in  his  arms  and 
Messed  God  that  he  had  lived  to  see  the  Christ  f 

.>-  Simeon,  an  aged  and  holy  man. 

81.  What  woman  was  also  there  and  thanked  God 
that  she  had  seen  the  Saviour  ? 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  9 

Anna,  the  prophetess  ;  a  widow  woman,  very  old,  who 
spent  much  time  in  the  Temple  fasting  and  praying. 

82.  Who  came  a  long  journey  to  Jerusalem  to  look  for 
Christ  9 

Wise  men  from  the  East — Persia. 

83.  What  were  they  called  ? 
The  Magi. 

84.  How  did  they  know  that  CJirist  was  born  ? 

It  had  been  prophesied  that  the  Messiah  should  be 
born  about  this  time,  and  they  had  discovered  a  new 
star  in  the  East,  which  led  them  to  come  this  Ion  or 

*  O 

distance  through  the  desert  to  Jerusalem,  to  find  Him 
and  to  worship  Him. 

85.  Had  Herod,  the  wicked  king)  yet  heard  of  the 
birth  of  Christ  9 

No. 

86.  What  did  he  do  t 

He  called  the  priests  together  to  inquire  of  them 
where  this  new  King  of  the  Jews  should  be  born. 

87.  What  did  the  priests  say  9 

That  it  had  been  written  by  the  prophet  (Micah)  that 
Christ  should  be  born  in  Bethlehem  of  Judea. 

88.  What  did  Herod  then  tell  the  wise  men  ? 

To  go  to  Bethlehem  and  search  for  the  child  Jesus, 
and  when  they  had  found  Him  to  bring  back  word, 
that  he  also  might  go  to  worship  Him. 

89.  Did  Herod  really  wish  to  worship  Jesus? 

No  ;  he  was  wicked  and  jealous,  and  wished  to  find 
Him  only  in  order  to  kill  Him. 

90.  When  the  Magi  departed  from  Jerusalem,  what 
did  they  see  in  the  heavens  to  guide  them  ? 

They  were  rejoiced  to  see  once  more  the  same  star 
which  had  led  them  through  the  desert. 


10  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

91.  Whither  did  the  star  lead  them? 

It  went  before  them  till  it  came  to  Bethlehem  and 
stood  still  over  the  place  where  the  child  Christ  was. 

92.  When  they  went  in  and  found  the  young  child 
with  Mary,  His  mother,  what  did  they  do  ? 

They  fell  down  and  worshipped  Him,  and  presented 
to  Him  costly  gifts  of  gold,  frankincense  and  myrrh. 

93.  Did  they  go  'back  to  Herod  9 

No  ;  God  warned  them  in  a  dream  not  to  go  back  to 
Jerusalem,  so  they  went  home  another  way. 

94.  After  they  had  departed,  what  did  the  angel  of  the 
Lord,  in  a  dream,  tell  Joseph  to  do  9 

He  told  him  to  take  Mary  and  the  young  child  and 
flee  into  Egypt,  and  stay  there  until  He  should  bring 
him  word. 

LESSON  III. 

ST.  MATT.  II.  15-23  ;  ST.  LUKE  II.  39-52 

95.  When  Herod  found  that   the  wise  men  had  not 
returned  to  Jerusalem,  what  did  he  do  9 

He  was  very  angry,  and  sent  forth  and  slew  all  the 
children  in  Bethlehem  from  two  years  old  and  under. 

96.  How  many  children  were  probably  killed  ? 

Not  more  than  fifty,  as  Bethlehem  was  a  small  town. 

97.  Why  did  Herod  do  this  cruel  thing  ? 

Because  he  thought  that  in  this  way  his  supposed  rival, 
Jesus,  King  of  the  Jews,  would  be  surely  destroyed. 

98.  Soon  after  this  terrible  event,  which  is  Tcnown  as 
"the  Massacre  of  the  Innocents,"  what  happened  to 
Herod? 

He  died  a  wretched  death,  leaving  his  kingdom  to  be 
divided  among  his  three  sons. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  11 

99.  Which  of  the  three  sons  ruled  over  Judea  and 
Samaria  ? 

Archelaus. 

100.  Which,  over  Galilee  ? 
Antipas. 

101.  When  did  the  Holy  Family  return  from  Egypt  ? 
After  the  death  of  Herod. 

102.  How  did  Joseph  learn  that  Herod  was  dead  ? 
An  angel  of  the  Lord  told  him  in  a  dream. 

103.  Where  did  he  at  first  intend  to  live  ? 

In  Judea  ;  but  Herod's  son,  Archelaus,  was  as  wicked 
and  cruel  as  his  father  ;  so  Joseph  took  Mary  and  the 
child  Jesus  up  to  Nazareth  in  Galilee. 

104.  What  kind  of  a  town  was  Nazareth  ? 

It  was  a  small  town  in  the  hilly  portion  of  lower 
Galilee.  It  was  built  on  a  series  of  terraces,  some  of 
which  were  very  steep. 

105.  What  are  we  told  about  Jesus  in  His  early  boy- 
hood? 

Nothing,  except  that  He  grew  both  in  body  and  in 
mind  ;  and  as  he  grew,  His  character  showed  more  and 
more  perfect  purity  and  goodness. 

106.  What  loas   the  mode  of  life   led  by   the  Holy 
Family  ? 

Joseph  followed  his  trade  of  carpenter,  and,  as  they 
were  poor,  Mary  probably  spun,  cooked  the  simple  food, 
and  visited  the  fountain  (still  called  the  Virgin's  Foun- 
tain) every  evening  with  her  pitcher  of  earthenware 
carried  on  her  head.  Jesus  probably  played,  helped  his 
parents,  learned  to  read,  and  went  to  the  Synagogue. 

107.  How  did  Christ  spend  much  of  His  time  9 

In  studying  the  books  of  the  Old  Testament,  which 
were  written  in  Hebrew  on  rolls  of  parchment  and  kept 
in  the  Synagogue. 


12  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

108.  How  do  we  Tcnow  that  Christ  studied  the  Script- 
ures so  faithfully  in  his  childhood? 

Because  in  His  later  teachings  He  quoted  from  the 
books  of  the  Old  Testament  constantly,  and  with  won- 
derful facility.  His  early  study  of  the  Scriptures  was 
the  secret  of  the  perfect  knowledge  of  them  which  He 
showed  throughout  His  life. 

109.  How  old  was  Jesus  when  we  next  read  of  Him  ? 
Twelve  years  old.     This  age  was  regarded  by  the 

Jews  as  the  boundary  between  childhood  and  youth. 

110.  What  was  then  done  ? 

The  Jewish  boys  were  then  placed  under  regular 
religious  training,  and  were  obliged  to  go  to  Jerusalem 
three  times  a  year  to  attend  the  religious  feasts. 

111.  What  do  we  read  of  Jesus  at  this  age  9 

That  He  was  taken  by  Mary  and  Joseph  for  the  first 
time  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the  feast  of  the  Passover. 

112.  What  was  the  feast  of  the  Passover? 

It  was  a  commemoration  of  God's  mercy  to  the  Jews, 
when  the  destroying  angel  passed  over  the  houses  of 
the  Israelites  and  slew  the  firstborn  of  the  Egyptians  in 
the  time  of  Moses.  (B.  c.  1491.) 

113.  When  was  the  feast  of  the  Passover  celebrated? 
In  the  months  Abib  or  Nisan,  corresponding  to  our 

March  or  April. 

114.  How  long  did  the  feast  last? 
Seven  days. 

115.  How  many  days  journey  was  it  from  Nazareth 
to  Jerusalem  ? 

Three  or  four  days. 

116.  How  did  the  Holy  Family  make  the  journey  ? 
They  probably  joined    a    caravan   or    company   of 

friends  and  relations;  some  travelling  afoot;  some  riding 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  13 

asses  or  camels   by  day,  and  pitching  their   tents   at 
night. 

117.  What  occurred  after  the  feast  was  over,  at  the  end 
of  the  first  day^s  journey  toward  home  9 

When  the  caravan  halted  at  night,  Mary  and  Joseph 
missed  Jesus,  and  could  not  find  Him  among  their  kins- 
men and  friends. 

118.  What  did  they  then  do? 

They  returned  to  Jerusalem  to  look  for  Him. 

119.  Where  did  they  find  Him? 

On  the  third  day  they  found  Him  in  the  Temple  sit- 
ting in  the  midst  of  the  doctors,  both  hearing  them  and 
asking  them  questions.  And  all  that  heard  Him  were 
astonished  at  His  understanding  and  answers. 

120.  What  did  His  mother  say  to  Him  f 

She  asked  Him  why  He  had  treated  them  so,  and  said 
that  they  had  been  searching  for  Him  with  aching 
hearts. 

121.  What  was  Christ's  answer  according  to  our  pres- 
ent English  version?     (St.  Luke  ii.  49.) 

"How  is  it  that  ye  sought  me  ?  Wist  ye  not  that  I 
must  be  about  my  Father's  business  ?" 

122.  According  to  the  best  authorities,  this  passage 
has  been  wrongly  translated;  how  should  it  read? 

"  Why  this  search  ?  Might  ye  not  have  known  that 
I  was  in  my  Father's  house?"  These  are  the  first 
recorded  words  of  Jesus. 

123.  What  did  this  answer  show  ? 

That  already,  at  the  age  of  twelve,  Christ  realized 
His  divine  origin  and  the  work  He  had  come  to  do. 

124.  What  did  He  then  do  ? 

He  went  home  with  His  parents  to  Nazareth,  and  was 
"  subject  unto  them." 


14  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

125.  What  do  we  know  of  the  next  eighteen  years  of 
Christ's  life  ? 

We  know  nothing  of  what  occurred  during  the  next 
eighteen  years.  St.  Luke  merely  mentions  that  Christ 
continued  to  grow  in  power  of  body  and  mind,  and,  be- 
cause He  was  so  pure  and  sinless,  He  continued  to  find 
favor  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man.  It  is  remarkable 
that  of  the  thirty-three  years  of  this  wonderful  life,  we 
have  almost  no  record  except  of  the  last  three  years. 

126.  At  wliat  trade  did  Christ  work  9 

He  worked  in  the  carpenter's  shop  of  Joseph. 

127.  Why  has  it  been  thought  by  many  that  Nazareth 
was  a  wicked  town  ? 

Because,  when  Nathanael,  afterward  one  of  the 
twelve  Apostles,  heard  of  Christ,  he  said,  "  Can  any 
good  thing  come  out  of  Nazareth  ?  " 

128.  Does  this  question   of  NathanaeTs  prove    that 
Nazareth  was  a  wicked  town  ? 

No  ;  it  cannot  be  proved  that  Nazareth  had  a  bad 
reputation.  Nathanael's  surprise  was  not  that  Christ 
should  come  from  such  a  wicked  town,  but  that  He 
should  come  from  such  a, poor,  insignificant  little  town. 

129.  During  His  early   life  in  Nazareth,   did  not 
Christ  have  every  opportunity  of  becoming  acquainted 
with  temptation  and  sin  9 

Yes  ;  Jesus  had  no  sin  in  His  own  soul ;  but  He  must 
have  early  learned  to  see  and  know  it  in  those  about 
Him.  In  a  small  country  village,  it  is  easier  to  see  the 
bad  as  well  as  the  good  in  human  nature. 

130.  What  was  the  state  of  religion  among  the  Jews 
at  that  time  ? 

It  was  cold,  formal,  and  insincere.  The  Jews,  while 
they  cared  little  for  purity  of  heart,  were  absurdly 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  15 

strict  about  matters  of  less  importance.  Their  religion 
was  all  on  the  outside  to  be  seen  of  men. 

131.  What  were  the  representative  religious  men  of 
the  time  called  ? 

Pharisees  and  Sadducees. 

132.  What  kind  of  men  were  the  Pharisees  f 

They  devoted  themselves  to  the  interpretation  and 
observance  of  the  Old  Testament  ceremonial  law.  But 
they  were  hypocritical,  bigoted,  and  vain. 

133.  How  did  they  keep  this  law  ? 
By  being  religious  only  outwardly. 

134.  For  example,  when  the  Lord  said  to  the  children 
of  Israel,  "Ye  shall  lay  up  these  my  words  in  your  heart, 
and  bind  them  for  a  sign  upon  your  hand  and  as  front- 
lets upon  your  eyes,"  what  did  He  mean  f 

He  meant  they  were  not  to  forget  them  but  were  to 
write  them  in  their  hearts. 

135.  How  did  the  Pharisees  observe  this  law  f 
Instead  of  obeying  the   spirit  of  these  words,  they 

wrote  portions  of  Scripture  on  slips  of  parchment,  en- 
closed them  in  small  leather  boxes,  and  bound  them  to 
the  forehead  and  to  the  left  arm,  thinking  they  were 
thus  obeying  the  law. 

136.  What  were  these  boxes  called  9 
Phylacteries. 

137.  For  another  example,  when  the  Lord  commanded 
the  Jews  to  "  wear  fringes  on  the  borders  of  their  gar- 
ments, that  they  might  look  upon  them  and  remember 
His  commandments  to  do  them,"  how  did  the  Pharisees 
obey? 

They  took  the  command  literally,  wore  very  large 
fringes  on  the  hems  of  their  garments,  that  eveiy  one 
might  see  how  strictly  they  obeyed  the  law.  Some- 


16  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

times  these  fringes  were  white,  and  sometimes  sky-blue, 
to  represent  heavenly  purity. 

138.  What  curious  custom  did  the  Pharisees  have  of 
counting  and  twisting  these  fringes  9 

They  would  count  out  eight  threads,  and  wind  one  of 
them  round  the  others  ;  first  seven  times  with  a  double 
knot  ;  then  eleven  times  with  a  double  knot  ;  lastly 
thirteen  times.  The  Hebrew  characters  representing 
these  numbers,  formed  the  words  Jehovah  One. 

139.  Wien  they  did  any  good  action,  what  was  their 
chief  object  9 

To  be  seen  of  men,  and  admired  by  them. 

140.  How  did  our  Lord  speak  to  His  disciples,  of  the 
alms-giving  of  the  Pharisees  9 

He  said,  "  When  thou  doest  thine  alms,  do  not  sound 
a  trumpet  before  thee  as  the  hypocrites  do  in  the  syna- 
gogues and  in  the  streets,  that  they  may  have  glory  of 
men."  (Matt.  vi.  2.) 

141.  Is  it  probable  that  the  Pharisees  actually  caused 
trumpets  to  be  sounded  before  them  in  the  streets  9 

No  ;  there  is  no  trace  of  any  such  custom.  Christ 
probably  meant  only  to  caution  against  boasting  in  alms- 
giving. 

142.  How  did  the  Pharisees  pray  9 

Standing  on  the  corners  of  the  streets,  that  they  might 
be  seen  of  men. 

143.  They  pretended  to  be  humble,  but  were  they  really 
so? 

No  ;  they  were  very  vain  ;  and  thanked  God  that  they 
were  better  than  other  men. 

144.  Upon  what  did  they  particularly  pride  them- 
selves 9 

Upon  being  the  direct  descendants  of  Abraham  ;  on 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  17 

this  account  they  thought  they  were  the  special  favor- 
ites of  God. 

145.  By  this  show  of  religion,  did  they  succeed  in  de- 
ceiving people  9 

Yes  ;  they  imposed  completely  upon  the  common 
people,  and  obtained  great  influence  over  them. 


LESSON  IV. 

ST.  LUKE  I.  5-25  ;  57-80 

146.  Who  were  the  Sadducees  ? 

They  were  not  so  numerous  as  the  Pharisees,  but 
were  wealthier  and  more  aristocratic. 

147.  What  was  their  belief? 

They  denied  the  resurrection  of  the  dead. 

148.  Who  were  the,Essenes  ? 

Jewish  hermits,  spending  their  lives  in  retirement, 
denying  themselves  luxuries  and  even  comforts  ;  having 
all  things  in  common  and  despising  wealth  and  position. 

149.  What  were  their  principles  ? 

To  worship  God,  to  live  virtuously,  and  to  do  good 
to  all  men. 

150.  In  what  manner  did  they  offer  their  prayers  ? 
Before  sunrise  they  were  not  allowed  to  speak  except 

in  prayer.  They  prayed  to  the  sun,  and  in  order  not  to 
insult  its  rays,  they  hid  or  buried  all  polluting  sub- 
stances. By  some  they  were  called  sun-worshippers  ; 
they  probably  did  not  really  worship  the  sun,  however, 
but  only  looked  upon  it  as  representing  God's  power. 

151.  How  did  they  esteem  the  name  of  Moses  ? 

They  held  the  name  of  Moses  next  to  that  of  God  ; 
he  who  blasphemed  it  suffered  death. 
2 


18  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

152.  What  was  their  daily  occupation  9 

They  raised  the  vegetables,  fruit,  and  wheat  from 
which  their  simple  meals  were  prepared,  tended  their 
flocks,  and  wove  their  linen. 

153.  How  did  they  take  their  meals? 

At  noon,  after  bathing,  they  put  on  their  white  robes 
and  ate  together  the  simple  meal  which  must  be  pre- 
pared by  their  priests,  in  order  that  the  food  might  be 
kept  free  from  pollution,  and  that  it  might  be  conse- 
crated. Sometimes  an  Essene,  when  excommunicated, 
would  starve  to  death,  being  bound  by  an  oath  not  to 
take  food  prepared  by  any  one  not  a  priest,  and  thus 
being  reduced  to  eat  the  very  grass. 

154.  Did  they  offer  up  sacrifices  9 

No  ;  they  sent  gifts  to  the  Temple  at  Jerusalem  ; 
but,  not  believing  in  the  slaughter  of  animals,  they  re- 
fused to  offer  sacrifices.  They  regarded  their  meals  as 
sacrifices,  those  who  prepared  and  presided  over  these 
meals  being  consecrated  priests. 

155.  How  did  they  spend  their  Sabbaths  ? 

In  absolute  rest.  They  were  more  strict  in  keeping 
the  Sabbath  than  other  Jews.  Their  meals  were  pre- 
pared the  day  before,  so  that  they  need  do  no  work  of 
any  kind.  The  whole  day  was  spent  in  religious  exer- 
cises and  in  studying  the  Scriptures. 

156.  Why  were  they  not  mentioned  of  tener  in  the  New 
Testament  ? 

Because  their  retired  life,  their  modesty,  piety,  and 
benevolence  removed  them  from  the  censures  which  the 
Pharisees  and  Sadducees  brought  upon  themselves  by 
their  hypocrisy. 

157.  Who  were  the  Scribes  ? 

They  were  not  a  distinct  sect,  but  were  an  important 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  19 

class  of  men.     They  are  called  in  the  New  Testament, 
doctors,  lawyers,  teachers  of  the  law,  etc. 

158.  What  was  their  occupation  9 

They  made  the  copies  of  the  Scriptures  which  were 
used  in  the  synagogues,  and  interpreted  them  ;  they 
also  translated  them  from  Hebrew  into  Greek.  They 
were  the  lawyers  of  their  time. 

159.  What  kind  of  men  were  they  morally  9 

They  were  much  like  the  Pharisees — hypocritical, 
assuming  sanctity  while  really  indulging  in  selfishness 
and  wickedness. 

160.  What  was  then  the  state  of  society  which  Jesus 
was  to  influence  9 

A  mass  of  corruption  within  and  of  religious  preten- 
sion without. 

161.  Who  was  the  "forerunner"  of  Christ? 
John  the  Baptist. 

162.  Why  the  "forerunner  "  9 

Because  he  preached  to  make  ready  the  way  for  Him. 

163.  Why  was  he  called  the  Baptist  9 

Because  the  baptism  which  the  Jewish  teachers  had 
required  of  all  who  were  converted  from  heathenism, 
John  demanded  of  every  one,  high  and  low,  rich  and 
poor,  if  they  would  be  prepared  for  the  coming  of  the 
Messiah. 

164.  What  had  the  prophet  Malachi  said  about  one 
who  should  go  before  the  Messiah?  (Mai.  Hi.  1.) 

"  Behold,  I  will  send  my  messenger,  and  he  shall 
prepare  the  way  before  me." 

165.  Who  were  the  parents  of  John  ? 

Zacharias  and  Elizabeth.  Zacharias  was  a  priest  of 
the  tribe  of  Levi,  and  Elizabeth  was  a  descendant  of 
Aaron,  the  first  High  Priest. 


20  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

166.  Where  did  they  live  and  where  was  John  lorn  9 
In  the  city  of  Juttali,  near  Jerusalem. 

167.  How  long  before  Christ  was  John  lorn  ? 
Six  months. 

168.  How  were  the  services  of  the  Temple  at  Jerusalem 
conducted  ? 

There  were  twenty-four  classes  or  courses  of  priests, 
each  class  in  turn  going  to  Jerusalem  for  one  week  at  a 
time  to  officiate. 

169.  To  which  class  did  Zacharias  belong  f 
To  the  eighth  class  or  that  of  Abijah. 

170.  How  was  the  daily  duty  of  each  priest  decided  ? 
By  lot,  so  as  to  avoid  jealousy. 

171.  One  day  during  Zacharias's  week  of  service,  what 
duty  fell  to  his  lot  f 

To  offer  up  incense  on  the  golden  altar  in  the  Holy 
Place  of  the  great  Temple. 

172.  How  often  was  this  done  ? 

Twice  every  day,  before  the  morning  and  the  evening 
sacrifice,  that  is,  at  nine  in  the  morning  and  three  in 
the  afternoon. 

173.  In  what  manner  did  Zacharias  perform  this 
office? 

In  his  white  official  robes,  with  covered  head  and 
naked  feet ;  at  the  tinkling  of  the  bell  which  announced 
that  the  sacrifice  was  ready,  he  went  into  the  Holy 
Place,  where  no  one  but  a  priest  could  enter,  to  offer 
up  the  burning  incense,  in  a  large  vessel  of  solid  gold. 

174.  What  wonderful  thing  happened  to  him  9 

At  the  time  of  evening  service,  the  priest  was  all 
alone  in  the  Holy  Place,  with  the  censer  in  his  hand, 
when  suddenly  the  angel  Gabriel  appeared  before  him, 
standing  on  the  right  side  of  the  altar. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  21 

175.  How  was  Zacharias  affected  by  this  9 

At  first  lie  was  alarmed,  but  the  angel  told  him  not 
to  be  afraid,  that  his  prayer  had  been  heard,  and  that 
he  and  Elizabeth  should  have  a  son,  and  they  should 
call  his  name  John. 

176.  What  did  he  say  of  this  son  9 

He  shall  be  great  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  and  filled 
with  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  shall  go  before  the  Messiah 
to  make  ready  the  people  of  His  kingdom. 

177.  How  did  Zacharias  receive  this  message  9 
He  doubted  what  the  angel  said. 

178.  Whyf 

Because  he  and  Elizabeth  were  old  and  they  had 
never  had  any  children. 

179.  What  did  the  angel  Gabriel  then  say  to  him  9 

"  Behold,  thou  shalt  be  dumb,  and  not  able  to  speak, 
until  the  day  that  these  things  shall  be  performed,  be- 
cause thou  belie  vest  not  my  words." 

180.  What  did  the  people  think  9 

This  interview  had  detained  the  priest  longer  than 
usual,  and  the  crowd  of  people  assembled  in  the  outer 
courts  were  astonished  at  his  delay. 

181.  How  did  Zacharias  act  when  he  appeared  to 
them9 

When  at  length  he  came  forth,  he  made  the  people 
understand  by  signs  that  he  had  seen  a  vision. 

182.  When  did  he  return  home  9 

He  remained  at  Jerusalem  until  the  end  of  the  week, 
when  he  returned  home  and  made  known  to  Elizabeth 
all  these  things. 

183.  Soon  after  this,  John  was  born.    What  name  did 
the  friends  suppose  he  would  receive  9 

They  wanted  to  call  him  Zacharias,  after  his  father. 


22  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

184.  What  did  Elizabeth  say  9 

"  Not  so  ;  but  he  shall  be  called  John." 

185.  What  did  her  kinsfolk  say  to  this? 

"  There  is  none  of  thy  kindred  that  is  called  by  this 
name."  And  they  appealed  to  the  father  to  decide  the 
matter. 

186.  What  did  Zacharias  do  ? 

He  called  for  writing  materials,  for  he  was  still  dumb, 
and  wrote,  "His  name  is  John." 

187.  What  occurred  then  ? 

In  a  moment  his  tongue  was  loosed,  and  he  praised  God. 

188.  What  sort  of  a  life  did  John  lead  ? 

Devoted  from  his  childhood  to  the  service  of  God,  he 
lived  a  simple  and  severe  life. 

189.  When  he  grew  to  manhood  where  did  he  live  9 
He  retired  to  the  desert  regions  of  Judea,  west  of  the 

Dead  Sea. 

190.  What  does  Josephus,  the  historian  of  ancient 
times,  tell  us  ? 

That  there  were  many  really  pious  Jews,  who,  dis- 
gusted with  the  corruption  of  the  times,  retired  to  the 
deserts,  where  they  became  teachers  of  divine  things, 
and  gathered  about  them  many  disciples. 

191.  What  did  John  wear  9 

A  garment  of  camel's  hair  fastened  around  the  loins 
with  a  leathern  girdle. 

192.  What  did  he  eat  9 
Locusts  and  wild  honey. 

193.  John  was  a  Nazarite  ;  ivhat  did  that  mean  ? 

A  Nazarite  was  one  who  vowed  not  to  taste  wine  or 
intoxicating  liquors  and  not  to  shave  or  cut  his  hair. 

194.  How  long  did  John  live  in  the  desert  t 
Until  he  was  thirty  years  old. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  23 

195.  According  to  the  Jewish  law,  how  old  must  a  man 
be  before  he  could  become  a  priest  or  preacher  ? 

Thirty  years. 

196.  What  did  John  then  do  ? 

He  left  the  solitude  of  the  desert  and  went  to  preach 
on  the  banks  of  the  river  Jordan. 

197.  Where  is  the  river  Jordan  ? 

It  is  the  principal  river  of  Palestine,  forming  its 
eastern  boundary.  It  rises  in  the  extreme  northern 
portion,  and  flowing  south,  empties  into  the  Dead  Sea. 

198.  Describe  the  river. 

It  is  a  swift,  crooked,  unnavigable  stream.  It  is 
fordable  in  many  places  in  summer,  but  in  spring,  very 
often  overflows  its  banks. 

LESSON  V. 

ST.  MATT.  III.  1-17;    IV.  1-11;    ST.  MARK  I.  1-13;    ST.  LUKE 
III.  1-18,  21,  22  ;   IV.  1-13 

199.  Who  went  out  to  hear  John  preach  ? 
Multitudes  of  people  from  Jerusalem,  all  Judea,  and 

the  country  about  the  Jordan.     Even  the  Pharisees  and 
Sadducees  were  eager  to  hear  him. 

200.  What  was  his  special  message  to  the  multitude 
who  thronged  to  listen  to  his  words  ? 

"  Repent  ye,  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand." 

201.  What  kind  of  a  preacher  was  he  ? 

He  was  bold,  not  hesitating  to  lay  bare  the  sins  of 
every  class. 

202.  What  did  he  say  to  the  Pharisees  ? 

"  O  generation  of  vipers,  who  hath  warned  you  to  flee 
from  the  wrath  to  come  ?  Bring  forth  therefore  fruits 
meet  for  repentance." 


24  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

203.  What  did  he  say   to  them  about  their  descent 
from  Abraham  ? 

Think  it  not  enough  to  say  within  yourselves,  "  We 
have  Abraham  to  our  father  ;  for  I  say  unto  you  that 
God  is  able  of  these  stones  to  raise  up  children  unto 
Abraham." 

204.  How  did  his  preaching  affect  the  multitude  ? 
Many  who  heard   him  were   touched  by  his  words, 

confessed  their  sins,  and  repented  of  them. 

205.  As  a  symbol  of  this  inward  change  what  did 
John  do  to  all  those  who  received  his  message  with  faith  ? 

He  baptized  them  in  the  river  Jordan. 

206.  What  then  was  this  baptism  ? 

It  was  a  baptism  of  repentance,  but  not  of  faith  and 
forgiveness. 

207.  What  is  our  present  Christian  baptism  9 
Christian  baptism  is  a  symbol  of  faith  in  the  Lord 

Jesus  Christ. 

208.  How  did  John's  bold  words  affect  the  Phari- 


They  were  angry  at  his  exposure  of  their  sins,  and 
turned  away  in  unbelief. 

209.  For  what  other  reason  were  they  offended  f 
Because  he  treated  lightly  their  descent  from  Abraham 

on  which  they  so  prided  themselves. 

210.  What  did  he  preach   to   the  publicans  or  tax- 
gatherers  ? 

"Exact  no  more  than  that  which  is  appointed  you/' 

211.  What  to  the  soldiers  ? 

"  Do  violence  to  no  man,  neither  accuse  any  falsely  ; 
and  be  content  with  your  wages." 

212.  Whom  did  the  people  think  John  might  be  9 
The  expected  Messiah. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  25 

213.  What  did  John  say  to  this? 

"  I  indeed  baptize  you  with  water,  but  one  mightier 
than  I  cometh,  the  latchet  of  whose  shoes  I  am  not 
worthy  to  unloose." 

214.  What  did  he  say  the  Coming  One  would  do  ? 

"  He  shall  baptize  you  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  with 
fire." 

215.  Where  was  Jesus  all  this  time  ? 
Still  living  quietly  in  Nazareth  of  Galilee. 

:216.    When  John  had  been  preaching  six  months,  what 
did  Christ  do? 
He  left  His  quiet  home  at  Nazareth,  and  went  down 
to  Judea  to  be  baptized  by  John. 

217.  How  old  was  Jesus  at  this  time? 
About  thirty  years. 

218.  What  did  John  say  when  Jesus  came  to  Him  to 
be  baptized  ? 

He  forbade  Him,  saying,  "I  have  need  to  be  baptized 
of  thee,  and  comest  thou  to  me?" 

219.  What  did  Christ  reply  ? 

"  Suffer  it  to  be  so  now  ;  for  thus  it  becometh  us  to 
fulfil  all  righteousness." 

220.  Why  was  it  right  for  our  Lord  to  be  baptized? 
That  He  might  be  formally  set  apart  for  His  public 

ministry. 

221.  What  did  John  say  to  this  ? 

He  consented,  and  went  down  to  the  river  with  Jesus 
and  baptized  Him. 

222.  What  wonderful  thing  now  occurred? 

Upon  coming  up  from  the  water,  as  Jesus  stood 
praying,  the  heavens  were  opened,  and  the  Spirit  of 
God  descended  like  a  dove  upon  Him. 

223.  What  was  thus  shown  ? 


26  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

The  three  persons  of  the  Trinity  were  thus  revealed 
at  the  same  moment :  God  the  Father,  God  the  Son, 
and  God  the  Holy  Ghost. 

224.  God  the  Father,  where? 

In  the  voice  from  heaven  which  said,  "  This  is  my 
beloved  Son,  in  whom  I  am  well  pleased." 

225.  God  the  Son,  ivliere  f 

In  the  person  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  standing  on 
the  banks  of  the  river  Jordan. 

226.  God  the  Holy  Ghost,  where  9 

Descending  like  a  dove,  and  resting  upon  the  Messiah. 

227.  What  was  the  object  of  this  miracle  ? 

To  prove  by  this  special  divine  testimony  that  Christ 
was  the  Messiah. 

228.  What  do  we  read  that  John  said  9 

"  And  I  saw,  and  bare  record  that  this  is  the  Son  of 
God." 

229.  After  His  baptism,  whither  was  Christ  led  by 
the  Spirit? 

Into  the  wilderness,  to  be  tempted  of  the  devil. 

230.  What  wilderness  ? 

The  wild  desert  region  of  Judea. 

231.  How  long  was  He  there  ? 
Forty  days. 

232.  Of  how  many  temptations  are  we  told  by  St. 
Matthetv  and  St.  Luke  ? 

Three. 

233.  Had  He  probably  had  many  more  temptations 
during  the  forty  days? 

Yes. 

234.  Had  He  eaten  anything  during  the  time  He  was 
there  f 

No. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  27 

235.  What  was  the  first  temptation  of  which  we  read? 
The  hunger  of  our  Lord,  caused  by  His  long  fasting, 

suggested  the  first  temptation  ;  for  Satan  said  to  Him, 
"If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  command  that  these 
stones  be  made  bread." 

236.  In  His  reply  Jesus  quoted  from  the  Scriptures 
He  had  studied  so  faithfully  during  his  youth.     What 
was  His  answer  ? 

"It  is  written,  Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone, 
but  by  every  word  that  proceedeth  out  of  the  mouth  of 
God."  (Deut.  viii.  3.) 

237.  WJiat  did  He  mean  by  this  9 

He  meant  that  God  could  give  Him  life  without  bi'ead. 
Man  lives  by  God,  not  by  bread. 

238.  What  was  the  second  temptation  ? 

Satan  asked  Him  to  throw  Himself  down  from  the 
pinnacle  of  the  Temple  at  Jerusalem. 

239.  What  was  the  quotation  from  the   Scriptures 
wliicli  the  tempter  used  ? 

"  If  thou  be  the  Son  of  God,  cast  thyself  down  ;  for 
it  is  written,  He  shall  give  his  angels  charge  concern- 
ing thee  ;  and  in  their  hands  they  shall  bear  thee  up, 
lest  at  any  time  thou  dash  thy  foot  against  a  stone." 

240.  What  was  Christ's  reply  ? 

"  It  is  written  again,  Thou  shalt  not  tempt  the  Lord 
thy  God." 

241.  In  what  way  was  this  a  temptation  to  our  Lord? 
By  a  miracle  thus  to  show  His  power  to  the  crowds 

of  people  always  at  the  Temple,  and  to  prove  that  He 
was  the  Son  of  God. 

242.  Wliat  was  the  third  and  last  temptation  ? 
Satan  promised  to  give  Him  immediate  possession  over 

all  his  dominion  if  He  would  fall  down  and  worship  him. 


28  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE 

243.  What  was  Christ? s  reply? 

"  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan  ;  for  it  is  written,  Thou 
shalt  worship  the  Lord  thy  God,  and  him  only  shalt 
thou  serve." 

244.  What  great  principle  is  here  taught  ? 

That  the  end  does  not  sanctify  the  means — God's 
work,  which  was  to  conquer  Satan  and  sin,  must  be  done 
by  God's  power,  and  not  by  any  yielding  to  the  evil  one. 

245.  What  happened  after  this  last  temptation  ? 
Satan,  having  failed  in  his  designs,  left  our  Lord,  and 

angels  came  and  ministered  unto  Him. 

246.  How  was  it  possible  that  Christ,  being  God,  could 
be  tempted  at  all? 

Because  Christ  willingly  took  upon  Himself  human 
nature,  capable  of  sinning  but  not  having  sinned. 
Thus  He  was  subject  to  temptation. 

247.  Is   it  thought  that    Christ  was   really   carried 
bodily  to  the  pinnacle  of  the  Temple  and  to  the  high 
mountain,  by  Satan,  in  these  temptations  9 

No.  It  is  thought  that  the  temptations  were  sugges- 
tions presented  to  the  mind  of  Christ  by  Satan,  just  as 
we  are  tempted  now  by  him. 

248.  Why  do  we  think  this  9 

Because  we  read,  in  the  Epistle  to  the  Hebrews 
(chap.  iv.  15),  that  Jesus  Christ  was  "  in  all  points 
tempted  like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin/' 

LESSON   VI. 

ST.  JOHN  I.  15-51  ;  II.  1-11 

249.  While  Jesus  was  in  the  wilderness  these  forty 
days,  where  ivas  John  the  Baptist  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  29 

On  the  banks  of  the  river  Jordan,  still  preaching  to 
the  people. 

250.  While  he  was  preaching,  who  sent  to  inquire  of 
him  who  he  was  9 

The  great  Sanhedrin. 

251.  What  was  the  Sanhedrin  ? 
The  supreme  council  of  the  Jews. 

252.  Of  whom  was  it  composed  ? 

Of  seventy-one  members,  all  elders,  scribes,  or  priests. 

253.  Who  was  the  presiding  officer? 
Generally  the  High  Priest. 

254.  Where  were  their  meetings  held? 
In  a  chamber  of  the  Temple. 

255.  What  power  did  it  have  ? 

The  Komans  allowed  the  Sanhedrin  to  try  all  the 
more  important  cases.  It  could  pronounce  sentence  of 
death,  but  could  not  execute  it  without  the  consent 
of  the  Roman  procurator. 

256.  Who  did  the  messengers  from  the   Sanhedrin 
think  John  was  ? 

The  Messiah,  or  Elias  or  some  other  prophet. 

257.  When  he  denied  this,  what  did  the  messengers  say  ? 
"  Who  art  thou  ?  that  we  may  give  an  answer  to 

them  that  sent  us.     What  sayest  thou  of  thyself  ?  " 

258.  What  did  he  reply  ? 

"  I  am  the  voice  of  one  crying  in  the  wilderness, 
Make  straight  the  way  of  the  Lord,  as  said  the  prophet 
Esaias."  (Isa.  xl.  3.) 

259.  When   the  messengers  found  that  he   was  not 
Christ  nor  Elias  or  the  other  prophet,  what  did  they 
ask  him  ? 

By  what  right  he  baptized. 

260.  What  was  his  answer  V 


30  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  I  baptize  with  water,  but  there  standeth  one  among 
you,  whom  ye  know  not.  He  it  is  who,  coming  after 
me,  is  preferred  before  me,  whose  shoe's  latchet  I  am 
not  worthy  to  unloose." 

261.  What  kind  of  shoes  were  worn  then  9 

Sandals  or  soles  of  leather  bound  to  the  feet  by 
latchets,  or  cords.  To  unloose  these  was  the  work  of  a 
servant. 

262.  What   did  this  visit  of  the  messengers   of  the 
Sanhedrin  prove  9 

It  proved  that  John's  preaching  was  making  a  deep 
impression,  in  that  the  great  rulers  of  the  Jews  took 
such  notice  of  it. 

263.  Where  did  this  interview  take  place  % 

At  Bethabara,  on  the  east  shore  of  the  Jordan. 

264.  What  occurred  the  next  day  ? 

As  John  was  preaching  he  saw  Jesus  approaching, 
who,  after  the  temptation,  returned  immediately  to  the 
river  Jordan. 

265.  As  Jesus  came  near  what  did  John  say  ? 

"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God,  which  taketh  away  the 
sin  of  the  world." 

266.  What  occurred  the  next  day  f 

As  he  stood  on  the  banks  of  the  river  with  two  of  his 
disciples,  John  the  Baptist  said  to  them,  seeing  Jesus, 
"  Behold  the  Lamb  of  God  !  " 

267.  What  were  the  names  of  these  two  disciples  ? 
Andrew  and  probably  John  the  Evangelist. 

268.  Where  do  we  read  of  these  events  ? 
In  the  Gospel  according  to  St.  John. . 

269.  When  John  the  Baptist  pointed  out  Christ  to  his 
tioo  disciples,  Andrew  and  John,  what  did  they  do  ? 

They  left  him  and  followed  Christ. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  31 

270.  By  doing  this  what  did  they  become  ? 
The  first  two  disciples  of  Christ. 

271.  To  ivhom  do  we  owe  the  few  facts  we  have  con- 
cerning the  first  of  Christ's  three  years  of  public  life? 

To  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  who  seems  to  have  related 
nothing  of  which  he  was  not  a  witness. 

272.  Although  he  was  the  disciple  whom  Christ  loved 
best,  the  one  who  was  the  first  to  follow  Him,  and  the 
last  to  leave  Him  at  the  cross,  does  he  often  mention  him- 
self in  his  own  narrative  9 

No  ;  only  twice — when  he  came  to  Christ  with 
Andrew,  and  when  he  describes  the  scene  on  Calvary 
and  speaks  of  his  loving  intimacy  with  Christ. 

273.  What  did  Andrew  do  f 

After  spending  a  few  hours  with  Jesus,  lie  went  and 
found  his  brother  Simon  Peter,  and  brought  him  to 
Christ.  And  he  became  the  third  disciple. 

274.  What  did  Christ  say  to  Peter  ? 

"  Thou  art  Simon,  the  son  of  Jona  ;  thou  shalt  be 
called  Cephas,  which  is,  by  interpretation,  a  stone." 

275.  TJie  following  day  whom  did  Christ  find,  and 
what  did  He  say  to  him  9 

Philip  ;  and  said  to  him,  "  Follow  me." 

276.  Where  was  Philip's  home? 

Bethsaida  of  Galilee,  where  Andrew  and  Peter  lived. 

277.  Philip  was  now  the  fourth  disciple.     Whom  did 
he  find,  and  what  did  he  say  to  him  ? 

Nathanael;  and  told  him  he  had  found  Jesus  of  Naza- 
reth, of  whom  the  prophets  had  written. 

278.  What  did  Nathanael  say,  and  what  was  Philip's 
reply  ? 

He  said,  "  Can  there  any  good  thing  come  out  of 
Nazareth?"  And  Philip  replied,  "Come  and  see." 


32  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

279.  When  Jesus  saw  Nathanael  coming  to  Him  what 
did  He  say  9 

"  Behold  an  Israelite  indeed,  in  whom  is  no  guile." 

280.  Nathanael  was  now  the  fifth  disciple.    Name  the 
five  in  the  order  in  which  they  were  chosen. 

John,  Andrew,  Simon  Peter,  Philip,  and  Nathanael 
sometimes  called  Bartholomew. 

281.  Shortly  after  this,  whither  did  Christ  and  His 
five  disciples  go  f 

To  Cana,  to  attend  a  marriage. 

282.  Where  is  Cana? 

It  was  a  little  town  in  Galilee  near  Nazareth,  Christ's 
home. 

283.  What  occurred  at  the  marriage  feast  ? 
The  supply  of  wine  failed. 

284.  W ho  told  Jesus  of  this  ? 

His  mother,  who  was  one  of  the  invited  guests. 

285.  What  luas  His  answer  to  her  ? 

"  Woman,  what  have  I  to  do  with  thee  ?     Mine  hour 
is  not  yet  come." 

286.  What  did  Mary  say  to  the  servants  ? 
"  Whatsoever  he  saith  unto  you,  do  it." 

287.  What  stood  in  the  room  ? 

Six  large  stone  jars  holding  seven  or  eight  gallons 
each. 

288.  For  what  use  were  these  jars  intended  ? 

To  contain  water  for  the  purification  of  the  guests 
after  the  custom  of  the  Jews. 

289.  What,  for  example,  was  one  of  these  customs  ? 
That  each  guest  should  wash  his  hands  immediately 

before  partaking  of   food,   for  fear  they  might  have 
become  defiled  by  touching  something  unclean. 

290.  What  did  Jesus  tell  the  servants  to  do  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  33 

To  fill  these  water-pots  with  water,  and  then  pour  out 
and  bear  to  the  governor  of  the  feast. 

291.  W^at  happened  then  9 

The  servants  did  as  they  were  ordered,  and  when  the 
governor  tasted  the  liquid,  he  found  it  was  wine. 

292.  What  did  the  governor  of  the  feast  say  of  this 
miraculous  wine  9 

He  told  the  bridegroom,  that  generally  the  best  wine 
was  set  forth  at  the  beginning  of  the  feast,  but  he  had 
saved  it  till  last. 

293.  What  was  the  main  object  of  this  first  miracle  of 
Christ's? 

To  prove  His  divine  power,  and  to  confirm  His  dis- 
ciples in  their  belief. 

294.  What  did  it  show  f 

It  showed  that  Christ  had  sympathy  with  bodily 
needs  as  well  as  spiritual. 

295.  W hat  else  did  it  show  9 

That  he  sympathized  with  pleasure  as  well  as  with 
sorrow. 

LESSON  VII. 
ST.  JOHN  II.  12,  13 

296.  Whither  did  the  Lord  go  from  Cana  ? 
To  Capernaum. 

297.  Where  was  Capernaum  9 

On  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  about  eighteen  miles  north- 
east of  Cana. 

298.  What  can  you  say  of  it  9 

It  was  our  Lord's  home  during  much  of  His  early 
ministry,  and  the  scene  of  many  of  His  miracles  and 
3 


34  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

teachings.     It  was  a  station  for  a  Roman  garrison  and 
a  custom-house.     It  had  at  least  one  synagogue. 

299.  How  long  did  Christ  remain  at  Capernaum  ? 
Only  a  short  time,  for  the  Passover  was  at  hand,  and 

Jesus  and  His  disciples  went  to  Jerusalem  to  keep  this 
feast. 

300.  What  can  you  say  of  the  city  of  Jerusalem  ? 

It  was  built  on  four  hills,  very  steep  and  difficult  of 
access  ;  and  was  surrounded  by  massive  walls  with 
great  gates  and  high  towers  of  observation. 

301.  What  of  the  streets? 

They  were  mostly  narrow,  and  very  crooked  and  steep. 

302.  What  was  built  on  one  of  these  four  hills  called 
Mount  Zion  or  the  City  of  David  9 

The  palace  of  King  David. 

303.  What  on  Mount  Moriah  f 
The  great  Temple. 

304.  What  did  Ring  Solomon  cause  to  be  built  from  the 
palace  on  Mount  Zion  to  the  Temple  on  Mount  Moriah  ? 

A  great  causeway  or  bridge  (in  some  places  three 
hundred  and  fifty-four  feet  high),  leading  up  a  gentle 
ascent  to  the  Temple  gate. 

305.  What  was  the  population  of  Jerusalem  in  the 
time  of  our  Lord?  4 

It  is  said  to  have  been  about  six  hundred  thousand. 
And  at  the  great  feasts  this  number  was  increased  to 
nearly  three  millions. 

306.  Where  in  Jerusalem  was  the  feast  of  the  Pass- 
over celebrated  ? 

In  the  great  Temple. 

307.  By  whom  and  when  was  this  Temple  first  built  9 
By  King  Solomon,  B.  c.  1000.     It  was  the  first  temple 

the  Jews  had. 


a  5 


COURT  OF  THE  GENTILES. 


/ 


.2 
O 

z 

O 


A          '  ROYAL         PORCH 


PLAN  OP  HEROD'S  TEMPLE. 


36  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

308.  Who  before  Solomon  had  wished  to  build  it? 
His  father,  King  David. 

309.  Wliy  did  not  God  permit  Mm  9 

Because  he  was  a  man  of  war  and  had  shed  blood. 

310.  When  and  by  whom  was  Solomon's  Temple  de- 
stroyed 9 

B.  c.  588,  by  Nebuchadnezzar. 

311.  Who  built  the  Temple  which  stood  in  the  time  of 
Christ  f 

Herod  the  Great,  on  the  old  foundations. 

312.  How  long  was  it  in  building  f 
Forty-six  years. 

313.  What  can  you  say  of  the  foundations  ? 

They  alone  cost  years  of  labor.  In  order  to  make 
the  top  of  the  mountain  broad  and  level,  it  was  built 
up  hundreds  of  feet  from  the  base,  with  immense  blocks 
of  stone,  soldered  together  with  lead.  (Some  of  these 
stones  measured  from  twenty  to  forty  feet,  and  weighed 
one  hundred  tons  each.) 

314.  How  large  ivas  the  square   thus  formed  on  the 
top  of  Mount  Moriah  $ 

Nearly  one  thousand  feet.  It  was  enclosed  by  a  high 
wall. 

315.  How  many  principal  entrances  were  there  9 
Four  ;  all  on  the  western  side  of  the  wall. 

316.  Of  these  four  entrances,   how  was    the   most 
northerly  approached  9 

Probably  by  a  flight  of  steps  from  the  lower  city. 

317.  Which  was  the  most  magnificent  approach  9 
That  at  the  southwestern  angle,  by  the  great  bridge 

which  was  built    from    the    king's    palace  on  Mount 
Zion. 

318.  To  what  did  these  four  gates  lead  9 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  37 

A  large  square  court  called  the  Court  of  the  Gentiles, 
which  extended  completely  around  the  Sanctuary. 

319.  Why  was  it  called  the  Court  of  the  Gentiles  ? 
Because  it  was  open  to  every  one,  Jew  or  Gentile. 

320.  What  ran  all  around  the  outer  edge  of  this  court 
against  the  wall  9 

Magnificent  cloisters,  or  "  porches  "  as  they  are  called 
in  the  New  Testament. 

321.  How  were  these  porches  built? 

With  double  rows  of  columns,  each  cut  from  a  solid 
block  of  marble.  These  cloisters,  or  porches,  were  cov- 
ered by  flat  roofs  richly  ornamented. 

322.  What  was  the  cloister  on  the  south  side  of  the 
court  called  ? 

The  Royal  Porch. 

323.  On  the  east  side  ? 
Solomon's  Porch. 

324.  How  was  the  Court  of  the  Gentiles  paved  9 
With  finest  mosaic. 

325.  Did  the  Sanctuary  stand  in  the  centre  of  this 
court  ? 

No  ;  it  stood  toward  the  north  and  west. 

326.  Surrounding  the  Sanctuary  on  every  side  was  a 
screen  or  balustrade  of  marble  four  and  a  half  feet  high. 
What  inscriptions  were  placed  here  ? 

Inscriptions  in  Greek  and  Latin  warning  Gentiles  and 
heathen  not  to  approach  within  on  pain  of  death. 

327.  Within  this  enclosure,  which  was  some  nine  feet 
higher  than  the  surrounding  Court  of  the  Gentiles,  and 
approached  on  every  side  by  fourteen  steps,  stood  the 
Sanctuary  itself.     How  did  it  face,  and  where  was  the 
main  entrance  ? 

Toward  the  east,  where  was  the  principal  gate. 


38  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

328.  Give  the  name  of  this  gate,  and  describe  it. 

It  was  called  the  Gate  Beautiful.  The  ascent  to  it 
was  by  twelve  steps.  It  was  made  of  dazzling  Corin- 
thian brass  most  richly  ornamented.  Its  double  doors 
were  so  massive  that  it  took  twenty  men  to  open  and 
close  them. 

329.  Into  what  court  did  this  gate  open  ? 
The  Court  of  the  Women. 

330.  Why  was  it  called  the  Court  of  the  Women  ? 
Not  because  it  was  for  women  alone,  but  because 

they  could  go  no  further  in  the  Sanctuary.  It  was  the 
common  place  of  worship  for  all  Jews,  men  as  well  as 
women. 

331.  Describe  this  court. 

It  was  two  hundred  feet  square.  Around  it  was  a 
simple  colonnade  within  which  were  placed  thirteen 
chests,  or  "  trumpets  "  as  they  were  called,  for  contribu- 
tions of  money. 

332.  Why  were  they  called  trumpets  9 

Because  they  were  shaped  like  trumpets,  narrow  at 
the  top  and  wide  at  the  bottom. 

333.  Why  were  there  thirteen  of  these  boxes  f 
Because  the  money  in  each  was  for  a  different  object 

which  was  marked  upon  it.  Nine  were  for  the  recep- 
tion of  "  tribute  money,"  or  what  was  due  by  worship- 
pers ;  the  other  four  were  for  voluntary  gifts. 

334.  Were  there  any  other  gates  to  this  Court  of  the 
Women  ? 

Yes  ;  one  on  the  north  side  and  one  on  the  south. 

335.  Passing  through  the  Court  of  the  Women,  ascend- 
ing fifteen  steps  through  the  gate  called  Nicanor,  ivhat 
was  the  next  court  ? 

The  Court  of  Israel. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  39 

336.  W hat  took  place  on  these  steps  leading  to  the 
Court  of  Israel  9 

Here  the  Levites  sang  and  played  during  the  service  ; 
and  here  the  Israelites  presented  themselves  to  the 
priests  for  purification. 

337.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Court  of  Israel  9 

It  ran  the  entire  width  of  the  Sanctuary,  but  was  only 
sixteen  feet  deep.  Here  the  Israelites  stood  while  the 
priests  offered  up  their  sacrifices. 


LESSON  VIII. 

ST.  JOHN  II.  13-25 

338.  Ascending    two    more  steps,   what    court    was 
reached  9 

The  Court  of  the  Priests. 

339.  What  stood  in  the  centre  of  the  Court  of  the 
Priests  9 

The  Temple  itself. 

340.  Of  what  did  the  Temple  itself  consist  9 

The  Holy  of  Holies,  the  Holy  Place,  and  the  Porch. 

341.  How  was  it  built  9 

On  immense  foundations  of  solid  blocks  of  white 
marble  covered  with  gold.  The  Porch  was  approached 
by  a  flight  of  twelve  steps. 

342.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Porch  9 

The  entrance  was  covered  by  a  splendid  veil.  In  it 
were  kept  the  valuable  gifts  presented  to  the  Temple  ; 
here  were  also  two  tables,  one  of  gold  and  one  of  marble, 
for  the  shew  bread. 

343.  Describe  the  entrance  from  this  porch  into  the 
Holy  Place. 


40  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

There  were  double  doors  covered  with  gold  and 
screened  by  a  rich  curtain. 

344.  What  was  over  this  door  ? 

An  immense  vine  of  solid  gold,  with  clusters  of  grapes 
hanging  from  it,  each  cluster  the  height  of  a  man. 

345.  How  large  was  the  Holy  Place,  and  what  did  it 
contain  ? 

It  was  about  thirty  feet  wide  and  sixty  feet  long,  and 
contained  the  golden  candlestick,  table  of  shew  bread, 
and  altar  of  incense. 

346.  Who  could  enter  here  9 

Only  the  priests.  It  was  here  Zacharias  was  stand- 
ing when  John's  birth  was  announced  to  him. 

347.  How  was  the  Holy  Place  separated  from  the  Holy 
of  Holies  ? 

By  a  partition  of  cedar  wood,  wonderfully  carved, 
overlaid  with  gold. 

348.  Between  them,  what  communication  was  there  ? 
Folding  doors,  screened  with  a  richly  embroidered 

veil. 

349.  How  large  was  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and  what  did 
it  contain  ? 

It  was  thirty  feet  square  and  was  now  quite  empty,  a 
large  stone  occupying  the  place  where  the  ark  with  the 
mercy  seat  had  stood. 

350.  Who  alone  could  enter  the  Holy  of  Holies,  and 
how  often  ? 

The  High  Priest,  and  only  once  a  year,  on  the  day  of 
atonement. 

351.  Of  what  was  this  Temple,  consisting  of  the  Holy 
of  Holies,  the  Holy  Place,  and  the  Porch,  built  9 

Of  immense  blocks  of  pure  white  marble,  overlaid 
with  plates  of  solid  gold. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  41 

352.  Most  of  the  courts  of  the  Sanctuary  were  not 
roofed,  but  were  open  to  the  air ;  the  Temple  proper  had  a 
roof,  however.     Describe  it. 

It  had  a  gabled  roof  of  cedar,  covered  with  golden 
spikes,  and  surrounded  by  a  beautiful  balustrade. 

353.  With  the  sun  shining  on  it,  what  was  the  effect 
of  this  beautiful  building,  placed  on  the  highest  point 
and  visible  for  miles  around  V 

It  was  most  dazzling  ;  so  much  so,  that  it  was  almost 
impossible,  at  times,  to  look  at  it. 

354.  By  whom  was  this  Temple  built,  and  in  how  long 
a  time  9 

By  the  priests  themselves,  in  a  year  and  a  half. 

355.  Why  was  it  built  by  priests  9 

Because  it  was  forbidden  any  one  not  a  priest  to  enter 
there,  so  Herod  ordered  a  large  number  of  priests  to 
learn  the  trade  of  carpentry  and  stone  cutting  in  order 
that  they  might  build  that  part  of  the  Temple. 

356.  The  Temple  was  completely  surrounded  by   the 
Court  of  the  Priests.     How  was  this  court  entered  9 

By  three  gates  on  the  north  and  three  on  the  south, 
in  addition  to  the  entrance  from  the  Court  of  Israel. 

357.  What  stood  in  the  Court  of  the  Priests  in  front 
of  the  Temple  Porch,  betiveen  it  and  the  Court  of  the 
Israelites  9 

The  great  altar  of  burnt  offering. 

358.  Describe  it. 

It  was  built  of  rough  stones  and  brass,  and  was  forty- 
eight  feet  square  on  the  top  and  fifteen  feet  high.  An 
inclined  plane  led  up  to  it. 

359.  What  were  at  the  four  corners  of  the  altar  9 
Straight,  square,  hollow  projections,  called  the  four 

"  horns,"  into  which  were  poured  the  "  drink  offerings." 


42  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

360.  Mention  some  other  things  contained  in  the  Court 
of  the  Priests. 

There  was  an  immense  laver  of  brass,  supported  by 
twelve  lions,  drained  every  morning  and  filled  every 
evening  by  machinery,  in  which  twelve  priests  could 
wash  at  the  same  time. 

361.  What  else  was  there  9 

Everything  required  for  the  sacrifices — knives  for 
killing  the  animals,  tables  for  cutting  them  and  lay- 
ing them  out,  gold  and  silver  vessels  for  catching  the 
blood. 

362.  Around  the  wall  enclosing  the   Court  of   the 
Priests  were  numerous  compartments,  or  rooms.     For 
what  were  they  used  f 

In  one  the  great  Sanhedrin  held  its  meetings.  Others 
were  used  by  the  priests. 

363.  Such  was  the  great  Temple  in  the  time  of  Christ. 
At  the  Feast  of  the  Passover,   the  outer  court  or  the 
Court  of  the  Gentiles  was  a  scene  of  noise  and  confusion. 
What  were  sold  there  ? 

The  Jews  kept  in  pens,  oxen,  sheep  and  doves  to 
sell  for  sacrifice. 

364.  Who  else  carried  on  their  trade  there  ? 
Money-changers,   who  exchanged  the  Roman  coins 

for  the  Jewish  half-shekel,  receiving  a  commission. 

365.  Why  was  this  exchange  of  money  necessary  ? 

Because  every  worshipper  was  required  to  pay  "  trib- 
ute-money "  towards  the  expense  of  the  Temple,  and 
this  money  must  be  paid  in  the  Jewish  half -shekel. 

366.  What  was  a  Jewish  shekel? 

It  was  a  certain  weight,  either  of  gold  or  silver.  The 
silver  shekel  was  equal  to  fifty  cents  ;  the  gold,  to  four 
dollars. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  43 

367.  Visitors  who  came  many  miles  to  attend  the  feast 
could  not  bring  with  them  animals  for  sacrifice,  and  so 
were  obliged  to  buy  them  here,  and  also  to  exchange  their 
foreign  money  for  Jewish  coin.     What  was  the  effect  of 
this  traffic  9 

The  Court  of  the  Temple  was  turned  into  a  noisy 
market,  very  disturbing  to  those  who  came  to  worship 
in  the  inner  courts. 

368.  Who  sanctioned  this  desecration  and  profited  by 
the  sales  9 

The  priests  themselves. 

369.  Such  was  the  scene  that  presented  itself  to  the 
eyes  of  our  Lord,  when,  having  come  to  Jerusalem  with 
His  five  disciples  to  attend  the  Feast  of  the  Passover,  He 
entered  the  court  of  the  Temple.      What  did  He  do  ? 

He  made  a  scourge  of  small  cords,  and  drove  out  the 
sheep  and  the  oxen,  and  poured  out  the  changers'  money 
and  overturned  their  tables  ;  and  said  unto  them  that 
sold  doves,  "  Take  these  things  hence ;  make  not  my 
Father's  house  an  house  of  merchandise." 

370.  How  could  Jesus  prevail,  single-handed,  against 
so  many  9 

Because  the  crowd  of  sellers  and  money-changers 
were  conscience-stricken  ;  they  knew  they  were  doing 
wrong,  and  were  overcome  by  the  holy  indignation  in 
Christ's  face,  the  righteous  anger  in  His  eyes,  and  the 
scathing  rebuke  of  His  words. 

371.  This  was  Christ's  first  public  act  of  authority. 
When  He  had  thus  purged  the  court  of  the  Temple,  what 
did  certain  of  the  Jews  demand  of  Him  ? 

By  what  authority  He  had  done  this  act.  They  said : 
"  What  sign  showest  thou  unto  us,  seeing  that  thou 
docst  these  things  ?  " 


44  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

372.  What  was  Jesus'  answer  ? 

"  Destroy  this  temple,  and  in  three  days  I  will  raise 
it  up." 

373.  What  did  Jesus  mean  ~by  this  ? 

He  referred  to  the  temple  of  His  body,  which  He 
knew  the  Jews  would  destroy,  but  which  in  three  days 
would  rise  from  the  dead. 

374.  How  ivas  this  an  answer  to  their  first  question  ? 
That  He  should  rise  from  the  dead  would  prove  His 

Messiahship,  and  therefore  His  right  to  have  thus  purged 
the  Temple. 

375.  Did  the  Jews  understand  His  meaning  ? 

No  ;  they  thought  He  referred  to  their  Temple,  and 
said,  "  Forty  and  six  years  was  this  temple  in  building, 
and  wilt  thou  rear  it  up  in  three  days  ?  " 

376.  So  interpreted,  how  did  the  Jews  regard  Christ's 
words  9 

As  a  vain  boast,  and  when  Jesus  was  brought  to  trial, 
they  were  quoted  against  Him. 

377.  During  Christ's  stay  at  Jerusalem,  ivhat  more 
did  He  do  ? 

He  performed  many  miracles,  which  caused  numbers 
to  believe  on  him. 

LESSON  IX. 

ST.  JOHN  III.  1-36  ;  IV.  1-9  ;   ST.  MATT.  XIV.  3-5  ;  IV.  12  ;  ST. 
MAKK  VI.  17-20  ;  I.  14  ;  ST.  LUKE  III.  19,  20 

378.  Although  the  Pharisees  and  rulers  generally  re- 
jected Christ,  were  there  not  some  who  believed  and  fol- 
lowed Him  9 

Yes. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  45 

379.  Who  came  to  Him  ~by  night  ? 

Nicodemus,  a  Pharisee,  and  a  member  of  the  Sanhe- 
drin. 

380.  Why  did  he  go  to  Him  9 

Because  he  felt  that  no  one  could  work  such  miracles 
except  God  be  with  him. 

381.  Why  did  he  go  thus  secretly  by  night  ? 
Perhaps  because  he  was  afraid  to  go  openly  by  day 

lest  his  Pharisee  friends  should  disown  him.  Or  per- 
haps because  he  could  thus  speak  more  freely  with  Jesus 
after  the  crowd  of  the  day  had  dispersed. 

382.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

"Verily,  verily  I  say  unto  thee,  Except  a  man  be 
born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God." 

383.  What  did  Nicodemus  understand  by  these  words  ? 
He  thought  of  God's  kingdom  as  an  earthly  kingdom, 

and  understood  by  Christ's  words  that  he  must  literally 
be  born  again. 

384.  How  did  Christ  ansiver  his  questions  ? 

He  told  him  that  it  was  not  enough  to  be  born  a  Jew 
and  to  be  a  Pharisee  ;  his  heart  must  be  changed  in 
order  to  become  a  true  child  of  God. 

385.  How  did  Christ  illustrate  His  meaning  ? 

He  used  the  wind  as  an  illustration.  The  wind  is  in- 
visible, not  so  its  effects.  God's  Holy  Spirit  is  not  visi- 
ble, but  when  the  heart  is  touched  by  it,  the  effects  are 
as  evident  as  those  of  a  strong  wind.  (The  Greek  word 
is  the  same  for  wind  and  for  spirit,  thus  suggesting  the 
illustration.) 

386.  To  what  fact  did  Christ  allude  as  another  illus- 
tration ? 

At  one  time  when  the  children  of  Israel  were  travel- 
ling in  the  desert,  fiery  flying  serpents  came  and  bit 


46  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

them,  and  many  of  them  died.  God  commanded  Moses 
to  make  a  serpent  of  brass  and  lift  it  up  high  on  a  pole  ; 
and  God  promised  that  whoever  looked  upon  this  ser- 
pent should  be  made  whole. 

387.  How  did  Christ  apply  this  illustration  9 

He  said  :  "  Even  so  must  the  Son  of  Man  be  lifted 
up  ;  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should  not  perish, 
but  have  eternal  life." 

388.  What  beautiful  words  does  He  add,  explaining 
to  Nicodemus  why  God  sent  His  Son  into  the  world  9 

"  For  God  so  loved  the  world,  that  he  gave  his  only 
begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in  him  should 
not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life." 

389.  What  do  we  Tcnow  of  the  next  few  months  of 
Christ' s  first  year  of  public  ministry  9 

Only  that  He  tarried  in  Judea  near  the  river  Jordan. 

390.  What  occurred  there? 

Great  crowds  came  to  hear  Him,  and  many  were  bap- 
tized by  His  disciples. 

391.  John  the  Baptist  was  also  baptizing  not  far  from 
ivhere  Christ  was.     What  did  the  disciples  of  John  tell 
him  9 

That  Christ  was  baptizing,  and  that  all  men  came  to 
him. 

392.  John  ivas  too  noble  to  be  jealous  ;  what  did  he 
reply  to  his  disciples  9 

"  Ye  yourselves  bear  me  witness  that  I  said,  I  am  not 
the  Christ,  but  that  I  am  sent  before  him."  "  He  must 
increase,  but  I  must  decrease." 

393.  Was  this  baptism  of  repentance  generally  accepted 
by  the  Jews  ¥ 

No  :  though  crowds  accepted  it  and  repented,  they 
were  of  the  poor  and  common  class. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  47 

394.  What  of  the  rich  and  influential,  those  who  ruled 
and  directed  public  opinion,  such  as  the  Priests,  Phari- 
sees, Sadducees,  and  Scribes  9 

With  a  few  exceptions  they  rejected  Christ  and  re- 
fused to  repent  and  be  baptized. 

395.  What  happened  to  John  the  Baptist  not  long 
after  this  9 

He  was  cast  into  prison  by  Herod  Antipas,  son  of 
Herod  the  Great. 

396.  Why? 

Herod  had  taken  his  brother's  wife  and  married  her. 
John  had  rebuked  him  for  this  unlawful  act.  On  this 
account  the  woman,  whose  name  was  Herodias,  was 
angry,  and  persuaded  Herod  to  imprison  John. 

397.  What  revenge  did  she  seek  ? 

She  wished  Herod  to  have  John  slain.  But  he  was 
afraid  to  order  this  done,  because  the  people  honored 
John  as  a  prophet. 

398.  After  this  whither  did  our  Lord  intend  to  go  next? 
He  prepared  to  return  to  Galilee  by  the  shortest  route 

through  Samaria. 

399.  When  they  reached  Sychar,  a  town  in  Samaria, 
about  forty  miles  north  of  Jerusalem,  what  occurred? 

The  disciples  went  into  the  town  to  buy  meat,  and 
Jesus,  being  wearied  with  His  journey,  sat  down  by  a 
well  to  rest. 

400.  What  famous  well  was  this  ? 
It  was  Jacob's  well. 

401.  Who  was  Jacob  ? 

Jacob  was  a  Jewish  Patriarch  who  lived  over  seven- 
teen hundred  years  before  Christ.  God  changed  his 
name  from  Jacob  to  Israel.  On  this  account,  after  him 
the  Jews  were  called  Israelites. 


48  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

402.  Wliat  can  you  say  of  this  well  which  belonged  to 
Jacob  9 

It  was  one  hundred  feet  deep,  built  up  with  rough 
stones,  and  has  been  visited  by  pilgrims  of  all  ages,  but 
particularly  since  Christ's  time.  It  is  one  of  the  few 
spots  mentioned  in  the  New  Testament  which  to  this 
day  are  positively  identified. 

403.  As  Jesus  was  resting  here  at  the  sixth  hour,  or 
about  noon  time,  who  came  to  the  well  to  draw  water  ? 

A  woman  of  Samaria. 

404.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  her  ? 
"  Give  me  to  drink." 

405.  What  was  the  woman' s  reply  ? 

"  How  is  it  that  thou,  being  a  Jew,  askest  drink  of 
me,  which  am  a  woman  of  Samaria  ?  for  the  Jews  have 
no  dealings  with  the  Samaritans." 

406.  Why  did  the  Jews  have  no  dealings  with  the 
Samaritans  f 

Because  the  Samaritans  were  not  of  pure  Jewish 
blood.  They  had  intermarried  with  Gentiles,  and  for 
several  centuries  there  had  been  a  bitter  enmity  between 
the  two  nations. 

407.  Why  did  the  Samaritans  hate  the  Jews  ? 
Because  after  the  captivity,  when  the  Jews  rebuilt 

their  ruined  Temple,  the  Samaritans  wished  to  help 
them  ;  but  their  offer  was  rejected  with  scorn. 

408.  What  did  the  Samaritans  do  ? 

They  built  themselves  a  temple  at  Mount  Gerizim, 
and  worshipped  there. 

409.  What  was  their  religion  9 

They  still  retained  many  heathen  rites  and  customs, 
but  accepted  the  law  of  Moses  as  contained  in  the 
Pentateuch  or  first  five  books  of  the  Old  Testament. 
They  expected  the  coming  of  the  Messiah. 


A    LIFE    OF   CHRIST   FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  49 

410.  What  did  the  Samaritans  claim  f 

That  because  their  forefathers  had  worshipped  there, 
their  Temple  at  Mount  Gerizim  was  built  upon  a  holier 
spot  than  that  at  Jerusalem. 

411.  What  did  the  Jews  claim  ? 

That  Jerusalem  was  the  place  selected  of  God  for  the 
Temple,  and  was  therefore  the  only  true  place  of  worship. 


LESSON   X. 

ST.  JOHN  IV.  9-42  ;  46-54 

412.  What  was  the  effect  of  this  bitter  hatred  and 
jealousy  between  the  Jews  and  Samaritans  ? 

The  Jews  would  not  allow  the  Samaritans  to  enter 
even  the  outside  court  of  their  Temple.  They  pro- 
nounced their  cattle  and  their  fruit  unclean,  and  counted 
all  their  people  accursed  forever. 

413.  How  did  the  Samaritans  retaliate  ? 

They  refused  lodgings  to  all  Jews  who  were  pass- 
ing through  their  country  to  attend  the  feasts  at  Jeru- 
salem. Many,  through  fear  of  the  Samaritans,  were 
compelled  to  take  the  longer  route  by  the  east  of  the 
Jordan. 

414.  What  other  provocations  did  the  Samaritans  offer 
the  Jews  9 

The  Jews  had  a  custom  of  lighting  beacon-fires  on 
the  highest  mountains  to  inform  those  afar  off  of  the 
exact  time  of  the  new  moon.  The  Samaritans  would 
often  light  rival  fires  and  thus  perplex  the  watchers  on 
the  mountains.  Therefore,  the  Jews  were  obliged  to 
send  out  trus*ty  messengers  who  should  give  the  time  of 
the  new  moon. 
4 


50  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

415.  What  did  the   Samaritans  do  to  "defile"   the 
Temple  at  Jerusalem  9 

One  night  they  strewed  the  Temple  courts  with  dead 
men's  bones.  This  was  a  terrible  insult  to  the  Jews, 
who  avoided  touching  any  dead  thing,  or  having  any- 
thing dead  brought  into  their  Temple.  They  were 
forced  to  go  through  a  long  course  of  cleansing  before 
they  considered  their  Temple  purified  from  this  defile- 
ment. 

416.  It  was  on  account  of  this  hitter  enmity  that  the 
Samaritan  woman  expressed  surprise  that  Jesus,  a  Jew, 
should  ask  her  for  water.     What  did  Christ  say  to  her  ? 

"  If  thou  knewest  the  gift  of  God,  and  who  it  is  that 
saith  to  thee,  Give  me  to  drink  ;  thou  wouldest  have 
asked  of  him,  and  he  would  have  given  thee  living 
water." 

417.  What  else  did  He  say  of  this  water  f 

"  Whosoever  drinketh  of  the  water  that  I  shall  give 
him  shall  never  thirst,  but  the  water  that  I  shall  give  him 
shall  be  in  him  a  well  of  water  springing  up  into  ever- 
lasting life/' 

418.  What  did  the  woman  sayf 

"  Sir,  give  me  this  water,  that  I  thirst  not,  neither 
come  hither  to  draw." 

419.  How  did  Christ  arouse  her  astonishment  ? 

By  telling  her  some  incidents  in  her  own  life  which 
convinced  her  He  was  a  prophet. 

420.  Her  interest  in  Him  now  thoroughly  aroused, 
what  disputed  point  did  she  bring  before  Him  in  order 
to  get  His  opinion  ? 

She  said,  "  Our  fathers  worshipped  in  this  mountain  ; 
and  ye  say  that  in  Jerusalem  is  the  place  where  men 
ought  to  worship." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  51 

421.  How  did  Jesus  answer  Tier  9 

"Woman,  believe  me,  the  hour  cometh,  when  ye  shall 
neither  in  this  mountain  nor  yet  at  Jerusalem  worship 
the  Father/' 

422.  What  else  did  He  try  to  make  her  understand  ? 
That    the    place  where   people  prayed   was  not   so 

important  as  the  spirit  with  which  they  prayed. 

423.  What  were  His  words  f 

"  God  is  a  Spirit :  and  they  that  worship  Him  must 
worship  Him  in  spirit  and  in  truth/' 

424.  What  did  the  woman  then  say  9 

"  I  know  that  Messias  cometh,  which  is  called  Christ  : 
when  he  is  come,  he  will  tell  us  all  things." 

425.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

"  I  that  speak  unto  thee  am  he."  This  is  one  of  the 
few  times  in  which  Christ  openly  asserted  His  Messiah- 
ship. 

426.  What  did  the  woman  do  ? 

She  left  her  water- jar,  and  went  into  the  city,  and 
said  to  the  men,  "  Come,  see  a  man  which  told  me  all 
things  that  ever  I  did  :  is  not  this  the  Christ  ?  " 

427.  By  this  time  who  returned  to  Him  9 

His  disciples  came,  and  wondered  that  He  should  talk 
to  this  woman.  However,  they  said  nothing,  but  begged 
Him  to  eat  of  the  food  which  they  had  brought  from 
the  city. 

428.  What  did  Christ  say  f 

"  I  have  meat  to  eat  that  ye  know  not  of." 

429.  What  did  the  disciples  say  one  to  another  ? 
"  Hath  any  man  brought  him  ought  to  eat  ?  " 

430.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  them  ? 

"  My  meat  is  to  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and 
to  finish  his  work." 


52  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

431.  What  is  the  meaning  of  these  words  ? 

The  exact  translation  of  the  words  is  :  "  My  food  is 
that  I  may  do  the  will  of  him  that  sent  me,  and  thus 
finish  his  work. "  This  was  his  spiritual  food  and  re- 
freshment ;  His  bodily  needs  were  forgotten  while 
doing  the  will  of  His  Father  in  teaching  the  Samaritan 
woman. 

432.  When  the  woman  returned  with  the  Samaritans 
from  the  city,  what  did  they  ask  of  Clirist  ? 

They  besought  Him  that  He  would  tarry  with  them. 

433.  How  long  did  He  stay  at  Sychar,  in  Samaria,  and 
what  was  His  success  there  ? 

Two  days,  and  many  believed  on  Him. 

434.  What  does  St.  John  tell  us  the  Samaritans  said 
to  the  woman  who  had  called  them? 

"  Now  we  believe,  not  because  of  thy  saying  ;  for  we 
have  heard  him  'ourselves,  and  know  that  this  is  indeed 
the  Christ,  the  Saviour  of  the  world/' 

435.  After  Christ  and  His  disciples  had  tarried  two 
days  in  Sychar,  whither  did  they  go  ? 

Into  Galilee,  the  most  northern  portion  of  Palestine, 
and  the  scene  of  Christ's  ministry  during  the  next  eigh- 
teen months. 

436.  What  can  you  say  of  Galilee  9 

It  is  a  small  country,  thirty  miles  broad  by  sixty 
long.  It  consists  mostly  of  an  elevated  plane,  broken 
by  mountains.  Toward  the  east  it  drops  suddenly  to 
the  beautiful  blue  waters  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee. 

437.  What  does  Josephus  say  of  its  cities  and  villages  ? 
He  says  that  there  were  two  hundred  and  forty ;  not 

one  of  the  cities  having  less  than  fifteen  thousand  in- 
habitants. 

438.  What  of  its  products  9 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  53 

The  soil  was  rich  and  the  country  fruitful.  Corn,  oil, 
figs,  oranges,  wine,  olives,  and  almost  all  fruits  were 
produced  in  this  tropical  climate. 

439.  How  was  Jesus  received  in  Galilee  9 

"With  honor,  because  the  report  of  the  miracles 
wrought  by  Him  in  Jerusalem  had  been  brought 
thither. 

440.  Whither  did  Christ  first  go  ? 

To  Cana,  where  He  had  performed  His  first  miracle 
of  turning  water  into  wine  at  the  marriage  feast. 

441.  Who  came  to  Him  there,  and  why? 

A  nobleman  who  lived  at  Capernaum.  His  son  was 
ill,  at  the  point  of  death,  and  when  he  heard  that  Jesus 
was  at  Cana,  he  went  and  besought  Him  to  come  down 
and  heal  his  son. 

442.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  9 

"  Except  ye  see  signs  and  wonders,  ye  will  not  be- 
lieve." 

443.  How  did  the  father  reply  9 

"  Sir,  come  down  ere  my  child  die." 

444.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  to  him  9 
'  Go  thy  way  ;  thy  son  liveth." 

445.  Did  this  reply  satisfy  the  father  9 

Yes  ;  for  he  immediately  started  on  his  journey  home. 

446.  What  occurred  on  the  road  9 

His  servants  met  him,  saying,  "  Thy  son  liveth." 

447.  What  did  the  nobleman  ask  them  9 
At  what  hour  he  began  to  mend. 

448.  What  did  they  say  9 

"Yesterday  at  the  seventh  hour  (or  one  o'clock  p.  M.) 
the  fever  left  him." 

449.  What  did  the  father  know  by  this  9 

That  at  the  very  time  when  Jesus  had  said  in  Cana, 


54  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  Thy  son  liveth,"  the  child,  who  was  in  Capernaum, 
was  made  whole. 

450.  How  was  the  nobleman  affected  by  this  ? 

He  believed,  "  and  his  whole  house." 


LESSON  XI. 

ST.  LUKE  IV.  16-31  ;  ST.  MATT.  IV.  13-16 

451.  Whither  did  Christ  go  next  9 

To  Nazareth,  the  town  where  He  had  spent  His  child- 
hood. 

452.  Where  did  he  go  on  the  Sabbath  day  ? 

«7  «y 

Into  the  synagogue. 

453.  What  was  the  synagogue  ? 

A  house  where  the  Jews  held  their  regular  meetings 
for  divine  worship.  The  synagogue  was  also  used  for 
a  court  of  trial,  and  sentence  was  sometimes  executed 
there. 

454.  W here  only  could  synagogues  be  erected  ? 

In  those  places  where  ten  men  of  age,  learning,  and 
piety  could  be  found  to  attend  the  services.  Three  of 
these  men  were  chosen  as  rulers. 

455.  Where  were  these  synagogues  generally  built,  and 
of  what  did  they  consist  9 

They  were  generally  built  on  elevated  ground,  and 
consisted  of  two  parts. 

456.  Describe  these  two  parts. 

The  most  westerly  part  contained  the  ark  or  chest  in 
which  were  kept  the  rolls  of  parchment  containing  the 
Law  and  the  Prophets  of  the  Old  Testament.  The 
other  part  was  the  body  of  the  synagogue,  in  which  the 
congregation  sat. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  55 

457.  Where  did  the  elders  or  rulers  sit  9 

In  front  of  the  ark  or  chest,  facing  the  congregation. 
These  seats  were  called  the  chief  seats  in  the  synagogue. 
Between  them  and  the  congregation  was  the  pulpit,  or 
reading  desk. 

458.  Of  what  did  the  service  consist  ? 

Of  prayers,  reading  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures 
from  the  parchment  rolls,  the  ruler  or  preacher  read- 
ing two  or  three  verses  at  a  time,  and  a  scribe  translat- 
ing them  from  the  Hebrew.  The  last  part  of  the  service 
consisted  of  expounding  the  Scriptures  and  preaching 
from  them.  This  was  done  by  one  of  the  rulers,  or 
by  some  distinguished  person  who  happened  to  be 
present. 

459.  Why  was  it  necessary  to  translate  the  Hebrew 
Scriptures  in  the  synagogue  9 

Because  Hebrew  was  a  dead  language  ;  many  of  the 
people  could  not  understand  it,  and  therefore  the 
Scriptures  were  translated  by  a  scribe  into  either 
Aramaic  or  Greek,  in  order  that  they  might  be  under- 
stood by  all. 

460.  What  did  Christ  do  when  He  entered  the  syna- 


Ile  stood  up  and  read  from  that  portion  of  the  proph- 
ecy of  Isaiah  (Ixi.'  1,  2)  which  tells  of  the  mission  or 
office  of  the  Messiah. 

461.  What  was  this  mission  9 

To  preach  the  Gospel  to  the  poor,  to  heal  the  broken- 
hearted, to  preach  deliverance  to  the  captives,  recover- 
ing of  sight  to  the  blind,  and  to  preach  the  acceptable 
year  of  the  Lord. 

462.  After  Christ  had  finished  reading,  what  did  He 
do? 


56  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

He  closed  the  scroll,  and  sat  down  to  preach.  It  was 
the  custom  for  preachers  to  stand  while  reading  the 
Scriptures  and  to  sit  while  preaching. 

463.  How  were  His  words  received? 

At  first  the  people  wondered  at  the  gracious  words 
which  fell  from  His  lips.  He  said  He  was  the  Messiah 
of  whom  He  had  just  read.  But  He  also  said,  "No 
prophet  is  accepted  in  his  own  country." 

464.  Was  this  true  V 

Yes ;  for  as  soon  as  they  began  to  recognize  in  Him 
the  son  of  their  townsman  Joseph,  they  thought  He 
could  not  be  the  Messiah,  and  they  asked  signs,  such  as 
He  had  given  elsewhere,  to  prove  His  Messiahship. 

465.  What  else  did  He  say  which  angered  the  people  ? 
He  hinted  that  God's  mercy  was  not  for  the  Jews 

alone,  but  for  the  Gentiles  as  well. 

466.  What  two  stories  from  their  own  history  did  He 
quote  to  show  this  ? 

The  first  was  of  the  long  famine,  when  Elijah  helped 
a  widow  woman  who  was  a  Gentile  and  not  a  Jew  ;  the 
second  was  a  story  of  a  man,  also  a  Gentile,  who  was  a 
leper,  and  whom  Elisha  healed,  an  act  of  mercy  which 
he  did  not  show  to  a  Jew. 

467.  How  did  the  people  receive  this  ? 

They  were  filled  with  fury,  thrust  Him  out  of  the 
synagogue,  led  Him  to  the  brow  of  the  hill  on  which 
the  town  was  built,  and  would  have  cast  Him  down 
headlong,  but  He  escaped. 

468.  Finding  that  He  could  no  longer  remain  in  Naz- 
areth, whither  did  our  Lord  go  9 

He  returned  to  Capernaum,  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee, 
where  He  took  up  His  abode,  making  short  journeys 
through  Galilee,  and  returning  again  to  that  place. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  57 

469.  Where  on  the  Sea  of  Galilee  was  Capernaum 
situated  ? 

Every  trace  of  the  town  has  vanished,  but  it  is  thought 
to  have  been  on  the  northwestern  shore  of  the  Sea  of 
Galilee. 

470.  By  what  other  names  was  this  lake  known  ? 
Lake  of  Gennesaret,  and  the  Sea  of  Tiberias,  and,  in 

the  Old  Testament,  Sea  of  Chinneroth. 

471.  What  can  you  say  of  this  lake  and  its  shores  ? 
The  lake  is  pear-shaped,  the  broader  end  toward  the 

north.  It  is  about  six  miles  broad  and  twelve  long.  On 
the  eastern  shore  towered  high,  bare  hills  ;  on  the  west- 
ern, the  mountains  sloped  gently  ;  their  sides  at  that 
time  were  richly  cultivated.  The  western  and  northern 
shores  were  thickly  studded  with  towns  and  villages. 

472.  Are  any  of  these  towns  still  found  there  ? 

No  ;  they  have  all  vanished,  with  the  exception  of  a 
small  ruin  of  Tiberias  on  the  western  shore. 

473.  What  can  you  say  of  the  water  of  the  lake  9 
The  Jordan   enters  at  the  north,  a  muddy  stream, 

coloring  the  lake  for  a  mile,  and  passes  out  at  the 
south,  pure  and  bright.  The  lake  water  is  clear  and 
sweet  to  the  taste  ;  its  level  is  between  six  and  seven 
hundred  feet  below  that  of  the  Mediterranean  Sea. 

474.  What  was  found  in  the  water  of  the  lake  ? 

It  was  well  stocked  with  fish  of  various  kinds.  One 
kind  often  appeared  in  dense  shoals,  which  blackened 
the  surface  of  the  water.  Thousands  of  fishermen 
found  employment. 

475.  How  did  the  lake  appear  in  the  time  of  Christ  ? 
It  was  a  scene  of  life  and  activity.     Great  numbers 

of  boats  for  fishing  and  for  pleasure  were  seen  moving 
to  and  fro  on  its  surface. 


58  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

476.  Although  Jesus  abode  there  for  the  next  eighteen 
months,  and  paid  taxes  as  a  citizen  of  the  town,  did  He 
have  a  home  of  His  own  ? 

No  ;  he  seems  to  have  been  dependent  upon  others 
even  for  a  place  to  sleep.  Possibly  He  lived  with  Simon 
Peter,  His  disciple,  who  was  a  fisherman,  and  whose 
home  was  there. 

LESSON  XII. 

ST.  MATT.   IV.   18-23  ;  VIII.  2-4,  14-17 ;  ST.  MARK  I.  16-45  ; 
ST.  LUKE  IV.  31-42  ;  V.  1-16 

477.  The  fame  of  Christ  was  now  spreading  rapidly 
through  Galilee,  and  crowds  of  people  came  to  see  Him 
and  hear  Him.     One  morning  He  went  down  to  the 
shores  of  the  lake,  and,  the  crowd  being  great,  what  did 
He  do? 

He  saw  two  fishermen's  boats  empty,  their  owners 
having  left  them  to  wash  their  nets,  and  He  entered 
into  one,  which  was  Simon's,  and  begged  him  to  push 
out  a  little  from  the  land,  and  He  sat  down  and  taught 
the  people  from  the  boat. 

478.  When  He  had  finished  speaking,  what  did  He 
say  to  Simon  Peter  and  Andrew  his  brother,  who  was 
with  him  ? 

He  told  them  to  launch  out  into  deep  water  and  cast 
down  their  nets  for  a  draught  of  fishes. 

479.  What  did  Peter  reply? 

"  Master,  we  have  toiled  all  the  night,  and  have  taken 
nothing  :  nevertheless,  at  thy  word  I  will  let  down  the 
net." 

480.  What  was  the  result  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  59 

They  caught  such  a  multitude  of  fishes,  that  their  net 
broke,  and  they  called  to  their  partners  John  and  James, 
in  the  next  boat,  to  come  and  help  them.  And  both 
boats  were  filled. 

481.  What  did  Simon  Peter  do  ivlien  he  saw  it  ? 

He  fell  down  at  Jesus'  knees,  saying,  "  Depart  from 
me  ;  for  I  am  a  sinful  man,  O  Lord,"  for  he  was  aston- 
ished, and  all  that  were  with  him,  at  the  draught  of 
fishes  they  had  caught. 

482.  What  did  Christ  reply  ? 

"Fear  not  ;  from  henceforth  thou  shalt  catch  men." 

483.  What  did  He  mean  ly  this  9 

That  He  wished  these  four  men,  John,  Andrew, 
Peter,  and  James,  to  leave  their  occupation  of  fishing, 
and  become  His  constant  followers,  teaching  men  of 
the  Kingdom  of  Christ. 

484.  These  were  the  same  four  men  who  had  been  with 
Him  in  Jerusalem;  ivhat  would  we  infer  from  this? 

That  Christ  had  given  them  permission  to  return  to 
their  homes  for  a  time  ;  but  now  that  His  fame  and 
His  work  were  increasing,  He  wished  them  with  Him 
always,  to  help  Him  and  learn  of  Him,  that  they  might 
carry  on  His  work  after  He  had  left  them. 

485.  How  did  these  four  disciples  respond  to  the  call? 
They  immediately  left  their  boats  and  their  nets  and 

followed  Him. 

486.  Whither  did  our  Lord  go  the  next  Sabbath  day  ? 
Into  the  synagogue  to  teach. 

487.  How  did  the  people  of  Capernaum  receive  His 
teaching  ? 

With  wonder  and  amazement.  He  taught  them  a 
new  doctrine  of  love,  unselfishness,  and  forgiveness. 

488.  To  what  kind  of  preaching  were  they  accustomed? 


60  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

The  rulers  and  Scribes  had  talked  and  preached  more 
of  the  ceremonial  law,  how  broad  their  phylacteries 
should  be,  how  wide  their  fringes,  just  how  strict  they 
should  be  in  the  observance  of  the  Sabbath. 

489.  No  wonder,  then,  that  the  people  should  be  sur- 
prised that  Christ  should  not  even  refer  to  these  matters, 
but  should  talk  of  a  nobler,  higher,  and  broader  religion 
which  they  knew  not  of.     What  happened  in  the  syna- 
gogue that  day  f 

There  was  a  man  present  possessed  with  an  evil  spirit, 
and  Jesus  rebuked  the  spirit,  saying,  "  Hold  thy  peace 
and  come  out  of  him."  And  the  spirit  came  out  of  him, 
and  he  was  in  his  right  mind. 

490.  What  did  the  people  think  9 

They  were  amazed  that  Christ  should  have  such 
power,  and  His  fame  spread  still  more  throughout 
Galilee. 

491.  After  leaving  the  synagogue,  whither  did  Christ 


Home  to  Simon  Peter's  house. 

492.  What  happened  there  ? 

Peter's  wife's  mother  lay  sick  of  a  fever.  Christ 
took  her  by  the  hand  and  lifted  her  up,  and  immediately 
the  fever  left  her,  and  she  was  able  to  rise  and  serve 
them. 

493.  What  occurred  that  evening  after  sunset? 
Crowds  of  people  thronged  about  the  door   of   the 

fisherman's  humble  home,  bringing  with  them  on  cots 
their  dear  ones  who  were  maimed,  sick,  blind  or  lunatic, 
waiting  in  silent  awe  for  Christ  to  come  out  and  heal 
them. 

494.  What  did  our  Lord  do  ? 

He  healed  them  every  one.     No  case  was  too  difficult 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  61 

for  Him.     That  day  is  known  as  the  day  of  miracles  at 
Capernaum. 

495.  Why  did  not  they  come  till  after  sunset  ? 

The  Jewish  Sabbath  ended  at  six  o'clock  in  the  even- 
ing. They  probably  waited  till  after  this  hour  because 
they  were  so  strict  in  their  observance  of  the  Sabbath. 

496.  What  did  our  Lord  do  early  the  next  morning? 
Long  before  day,  He  arose  and  went  out  to  a  solitary 

place  to  pray. 

497.  Who  folio  wed  Him? 

Peter  followed  after  Him  and  said,  "  All  men  seek 
for  thee." 

498.  What  did  the  people  leg  of  Him  ? 
That  He  should  not  depart  from  them. 

499.  What  did  Christ  reply  t 

"  I  must  preach  the  kingdom  of  God  to  other  cities 
also  :  for  therefore  am  I  sent." 

500.  Whither  then  did  He  go  ? 

Taking  with  Him  His  disciples,  He  started  on  His 
first  preaching  tour  through  all  Galilee,  teaching  in  the 
synagogues  and  healing  all  manner  of  disease. 

501.  Only  one  of  these  miracles  is  recorded  in  the 
Gospels.     What  was  it? 

The  healing  of  a  leper. 

502.  What  is  leprosy  ? 

An  awful  disease,  beginning  with  small  white  specks 
or  scales  on  the  skin,  spreading  slowly  year  after  year, 
until  the  whole  body  is  covered  and  disfigured  by  them, 
turning  a  ghastly  white  color.  The  hair  also  would 
turn  white,  the  eyes  almost  fall  from  their  sockets,  and 
when  the  disease  finally  ate  into  the  bones,  the  joints 
would  fall  apart  and  the  limbs  one  by  one  actually  fall 
away. 


62  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

503.  How  did  the  Jews  look  upon  a  leper  9 

With  abhorrence.  Any  one  suspected  of  having  the 
disease  was  sent  to  the  priest.  If  the  priest  decided  it 
was  a  case  of  leprosy,  the  man  was  considered  unclean 
and  was  excommunicated. 

504.  Where  must  he  live  9 

Not  within  the  city  walls  ;  but  apart  with  others  who 
were  afflicted  with  the  same  terrible  disease. 

505.  How  must  he  dress  9 

As  he  was  looked  upon  as  one  dead,  he  must  wear  the 
emblems  of  mourning.  That  is,  his  garments  must  be 
rent,  and  his  face  half  covered.  Wherever  he  went  he 
must  cry,  "  Unclean,  unclean  !  "  to  warn  people. 

506.  Was  the  disease  contagious  9 

It  would  seem  not ;  though  it  was  hereditary. 

507.  Why  were  these  lepers  so  avoided  by  the  Jews  9 
Because  they  looked  upon  everything  connected  with 

death  as  unclean.  It  was  a  defilement  to  touch  a  dead 
body.  As  leprosy  was  a  slow  death,  any  one  who 
touched  a  leper  became  unclean,  or  defiled. 

508.  In  this  miracle  which  Christ  performed,  what 
did  the  leper  do  9 

He  fell  on  his  face  and  worshipped  Jesus,  saying, 
"  Lord,  if  thou  wilt,  thou  canst  make  me  clean." 

509.  What  did  our  Lord  do  9 

He  was  moved  with  compassion,  and  He  put  forth  His 
hand  and  touched  him,  saying,  "  I  will ;  be  thou  clean." 

510.  What  happened  then  9 
Immediately  the  leprosy  left  him. 

511.  What  was  there  particularly  beautiful  about  this 
miracle  9 

The  fact  that  Christ  touched  the  man  whom  every  one 
avoided.  In  many  cases  He  healed  by  word  alone.  In 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  63 

this  case,  full  of  gracious  compassion,  He  seems  to 
know  that  His  actual  touch  would  carry  comfort,  as  well 
as  healing,  to  the  outcast. 

512.  What  did  Christ  say  to  the  man  ? 

He  charged  him  to  tell  no  man,  but  to  go  to  the 
priest,  as  was  the  custom,  and  offer  sacrifice  for  his 
cleansing. 

513.  What  would  we  infer  from  this  f 

That  the  miracle  had  been  done  privately,  and  not  in 
the  presence  of  the  multitude.  For  a  leper  could  not 
have  approached  Christ  in  the  presence  of  the  people. 

514.  Did  the  man  obey  Christ's  charge  9 

No  :  "  he  went  out  and  began  to  publish  it  much." 

515.  With  what  effect  9 

The  multitude  that  now  came  to  hear  Christ  and  to 
be  healed  of  their  infirmities  was  so  great,  that  He  could 
no  longer  enter  into  the  city  publicly,  but  remained 
without  in  open  places. 


LESSON   XHI. 

ST.  MATT.  IX.  2-17  ;  ST.  MARK  II.  1-22  ;  ST.  LUKE  V.  17-39 

516.  After  the  excitement  about  this  miracle  was  over, 
what  did  Christ  do  9 

After  some  days  He  returned  into  Capernaum. 

517.  When  it  was  noised  about  the  city  that  He  was 
in  a  certain  house,  what  occurred  ? 

The  people  gathered  in  and  around  that  house  in  such 
crowds  that  it  was  impossible  to  get  near  the  door. 

518.  How  were  the  houses  of  that  time  built  ? 
Around  an  open  square  or  court.     Cloisters  or  galler- 
ies ran  around  the  inside  of  this  court,  into  which  opened 


64  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

the  different  rooms.  This  court  was  without  a  roof, 
but  was  often  covered  by  an  awning  for  protection  from 
sun  or  rain. 

519.  Describe  the  roofs. 

They  were  flat.  Balustrades  were  built  all  around 
them  for  safety. 

520.  What  use  was  made  of  these  roofs  ? 

The  people  spent  much  time  on  them.  They  often 
went  up  there  to  pray,  standing  with  their  faces  toward 
Jerusalem.  In  warm  weather  they  slept  on  the  roofs. 

521.  How  was  the  roof  approached  ? 

By  stairways  within  the  court,  and  sometimes  also  on 
the  outside  of  the  house. 

522.  Who  were  there  that  day,  in  the  crowd  assembled 
in  the  house  in  Capernaum  to  hear  Jesus  9 

Certain  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharisees,  who  had  come 
probably  from  no  friendly  motive. 

523.  As  Jesus  was  teaching  within  the  court  of  the 
house,  what  occurred  ? 

Four  men  brought,  on  a  cot,  a  paralytic,  but  could  not 
get  near  the  entrance  to  the  court,  on  account  of  the 
crowd. 

524.  What  did  they  do  ? 

They  carried  him  up  the  outside  staircase  to  the  roof, 
and,  opening  the  covering  or  awning  over  the  court, 
they  let  the  man  down  near  where  Jesus  stood. 

525.  When  our  Lord  saw  the  man,  what  did  He  say  ? 
"  Son,  thy  sins  be  forgiven  thee." 

526.  When  the  Pharisees  and  Scribes  who  were  pres- 
ent heard  these  words,  ivhat  did  they  think  ? 

x—  They  said  within  themselves,  "  This  man  blasphem- 
eth."     "  Who  can  forgive  sins  but  God  alone  ?  " 

527.  What  did  Christ  say  then  t 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  65 

They  had  not  spoken,  but  Christ  read  their  thoughts 
and  answered,  "  Whether  is  easier  to  say,  Thy  sins  be 
forgiven  thee  ;  or  to  say,  Rise  up  and  walk  ?  " 

528.  What  did  He  mean?  and  what  did  He  say  to 
the  paralytic  ? 

He  meant  that  His  power  to  forgive  sins  would  be 
proved  by  His  healing  the  man.  And  He  said  to  the 
paralytic,  "Arise,  take  up  thy  bed,  and  go  unto  thine 

JlOUSe/' 

529.  What  happened  then  ? 

The  man,  who  had  not  walked  for  so  long  a  time, 
arose,  took  up  his  bed,  and  went  home. 

530.  What  kind  of  a  led  was  it  ? 

Simply  a  very  thin  mattress  or  quilt,  something  like 
a  hammock,  which  could  be  rolled  up  and  easily  carried 
under  the  arm. 

531.  How  were  the  people  affected  by  this  miracle  ? 
They  were  amazed,  saying,  "  We  have  seen  strange 

things  to-day." 

532.  As  Jesus  passed  forth  from  this  house  in  Caper- 
naum, whither  did  He  go  ? 

Down  to  the  sea-side  to  teach. 

533.  Whom  did  Hj)  see  sitting  at  the  entrance  to  the 
town,  and  what  did  He  say  to  him  ? 

The  publican,  Levi,  or  Matthew  as  he  was  afterwards 
called.  Jesus  said  to  him,  "  Follow  me/'  and  he  arose 
and  followed  Him. 

534.  Who  were  the  publicans  ? 

Persons  employed  by  the  Roman  government  to  col- 
lect taxes.  They  agreed  to  pay  a  certain  sum  into  the 
treasury,  but  they  collected  all  they  could.  This  caused 
many  extortions  and  made  these  tax-gatherers,  as  a  class, 
exceediagly  detested. 
5 


66  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

535.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  the  publicans  9 

As  no  better  than  thieves.  They  hated  to  pay  taxes 
to  the  Romans,  so  they  hated  the  men  who  collected 
these  taxes. 

536.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  one  of  their  own  nation 
who  filled  this  position  9 

He  was  accounted  a  heathen,  was  driven  out  of  society, 
and  was  ranked  with  sinners.  His  offerings  were  not 
accepted  in  the  synagogue,  and  his  evidence  was  worth- 
less in  court. 

537.  When  Matthew,  who  was  the  son  of  Alpheus,  and 
a  Jew,  found  that  Christ  did  not  avoid  him,  but  called 
him  to  be  one  of  His  disciples,  what  did  he  do  9 

He  gave  a  great  feast  at  his  house  for  Christ  and  His 
disciples.  There  were  also  other  publicans  present. 

538.  When   the  proud  and  self-righteous  Pharisees 
and  Scribes  heard  that   Christ  and  His  disciples  had 
eaten  with  the  publicans,  what  did  they  do  9 

They  murmured  against  the  disciples,  saying,  "  Why 
do  ye  eat  and  drink  with  publicans  and  sinners  ?  " 

539.  Though  it  was  addressed  to  the  disciples,  the 
reproof  was  meant  for  Christ.      What  did  He  reply? 

I  "  They  that  are  whole  need  not  a  physician,  but  they 
that  are  sick.  I  came  not  to  call  the  righteous,  but 
sinners  to  repentance." 

540.  What  was  the  meaning  or  application  of  this  ? 
If  these  publicans  were  such  sinners  as  the  Pharisees 

thought,  they  were  the  very  ones  who  needed  to  be  led 
to  repentance.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the  Pharisees  were 
as  righteous  as  they  pretended,  they  had  no  such  need. 

541.  What  question  did  the  Pharisees  ask  Christ  9 

I,  "  Why  do  the  disciples  of  John  and  of  the  Pharisees 
fast,  but  thy  disciples  fast  not  ?  " 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  67 

542.  What  did  Jesus  reply  9 

"  Can  the  children  of  the  bridechamber  fast  while 
the  bridegroom  is  with  them  ?  as  long  as  they  have  the 
bridegroom  with  them,  they  cannot  fast." 

543.  What  did  He  mean  by  this  ? 

By  the  bridegroom  He  meant  Himself  ;  by  the  chil- 
dren of  the  bridechamber,  His  disciples.  As  long  as 
they  were  together  they  were  happy  and  could  not  fast. 
Soon  He  must  leave  them,  and  then  would  be  the  time 
for  fasting. 

544.  After  this,  whither  did  Christ  go  ? 

He  went  south  to  Jerusalem  again,  to  attend  a  feast 
of  the  Jews. 

545.  Are  we  told  which  of  the  Jewish  feasts  this  was  ? 
No  ;  it  was  probably  the  Feast  of  the  Passover  ;  the 

second  Christ  had  attended  since  His  public  ministry 
began. 

546.  How  many  more  did  He  attend? 

We  are  told  of  two  more  after  this,  which  He  attended 
before  His  crucifixion. 

LESSON  XIV. 

ST.  JOHN  V.  1-47  ;  ST.  MATT.  XII.  1-8  ;  ST.  MARK  II.  23-28  ; 
ST.  LUKE  VI.  1-5 

547.  What  famous  pool  was  there  at  Jerusalem,  near 
the  "  sheep  gate  "  through  which  the  sheep  were  brought 
for  sacrifice  ? 

The  Pool  of  Bethesda,  which  means  "  House  of 
Mercy." 

548.  What  can  you  say  of  it  ? 

It  was  a  deep  pool  cut  in  solid  rock,  and  was  sur- 
rounded by  a  colonnade  in  which  were  five  porches. 


68  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

549.  What  can  you  say  of  the  water  of  this  pool  9 

In  it  was  a  spring  which  at  certain  times  bubbled  up 
and  disturbed  the  surface  of  the  pool. 

550.  What  did  the  people  think  ? 

That  this  bubbling  was  caused  by  an  angel  from 
heaven,  and  that  whoever  stepped  first  after  it  into 
the  water  would  be  healed  of  whatsoever  disease  he 
had. 

551.  What  can  you  say  of  the  following  verse  (John 
v.  4)  :  "  For  an  angel  went  down  at  a  certain  season  into 
the  pool,  and  troubled  the  water ;  luhosoever  then  first 
after  the  troubling  of  the  water  stepped  in,  was  made 
whole  of  whatsoever  disease  he  had  "  9 

It  has  been  found  that  this  verse  was  not  in  the 
earliest  Greek  manuscripts  of  the  Gospel  of  St.  John, 
but  was  inserted.  It  is  left  out  of  the  Revised  Version. 
The  statement  it  contains  seems  to  have  been  the  com- 
mon superstition  of  the  people. 

552.  Who  were  always  congregated  in  the  porches 
about  this  pool  ?• 

A  great  number  of  people  who  were  blind,  halt, 
withered,  and  lame,  waiting  for  the  bubbling  of  the 
water. 

553.  As  Christ  passed  by  this  pool  on  the  Sabbath  day, 
whom  did  He  see  f 

A  poor  cripple,  who  He  knew  had  been  lame  for 
thirty-eight  years. 

554.  What  did  Christ  say  to  him  9 
"  Wilt  thou  be  made  whole ?" 

555.  What  did  the  man  reply  ? 

"  Sir,  I  have  no  man,  when  the  water  is  troubled,  to 
put  me  into  the  pool ;  but  while  I  am  coming,  another 
steppeth  down  before  me." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  69 

556.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  Mm  9 

"  Rise,  take  up  thy  bed,  and  walk."  And  immediately 
the  man  was  made  whole,  and  took  up  his  bed  and 
walked. 

557.  What  did  the  Jews  say  to  the  man  when  they  saw 
him  carrying  his  bed  9 

They  reproved  him  for  breaking  the  Sabbath  day,  as 
it  was  considered  unlawful,  by  the  Jews,  to  carry  any- 
thing in  the  streets  on  that  day. 

558.  On  what  day  did  the  Sabbath  begin  in  the  time 
of  Christ  ? 

At  sunset  on  Friday,  and  it  lasted  until  sunset  on 
Saturday. 

559.  When  the  day  was  cloudy,  how  was  the  time  de- 
termined ? 

The  hens  going  to  roost  was  the  signal.  The  be- 
ginning and  the  close  of  the  Sabbath  was  announced  by 
a  trumpet  blast  from  the  Temple  and  in  the  different 
towns. 

560.  What  can  you  say  of  the  extraordinary  strict- 
ness of  the  Jews  in  their  outward  observance  of  the  Sab- 
bath day  ? 

The  Scribes  had  made  up  a  code  of  laws  in  regard  to 
the  observance  of  the  Sabbath,  which  were  so  many, 
so  strict,  and  so  ridiculous,  it  would  be  impossible  to 
mention  them  all,  much  less  remember  them. 

561.  Mention  a  few  things  which  it  was  not  lawful  to 
do  on  the  Sabbath  day. 

To  kindle  or  extinguish  a  fire,  to  set  a  broken  bone, 
to  prepare  food,  to  carry  any  burden,  to  kill  any  insect, 
or  to  journey  from  home  more  than  two  thousand  cubits, 
or  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  (called  a  Sabbath 
day's  journey). 


70  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

562.  What  about  one  who  had  been  buried  in  a  ruin 
or  fallen  in  a  ditch  ? 

If  he  were  still  alive  he  might  be  dug  out,  but  if 
he  were  dead  he  must  be  left  till  the  Sabbath  was 
over. 

563.  What  was  the  Jewish  law  about  fighting,  in  case 
of  an  attack  by  an  enemy  on  the  Sabbath  day  9 

At  one  time  the  Jews  were  forbidden  to  fight  even 
in  case  of  attack.  But  this  law  was  changed.  They 
might  fight  in  self-defence,  but  could  not  make  an  ad- 
vance or  begin  a  fight  on  the  Sabbath. 

564.  When  the  Jews  reproved  the  man  whom  CJirist 
had  healed,  for  carrying  his  bed  on  the  Sabbath  day, 
what  did  he  say  9 

"He  that  made  me  whole,  the  same  said  unto  me, 
Take  up  thy  bed  and  walk." 

565.  What  did  the  Jews  then  ask  him  9 

"Who  He  was  who  bade  him  do  this.  The  man 
could  not  tell  them,  for  Christ  had  disappeared  in  the 
crowd. 

566.  What  occurred  a  short  time  after  this  ? 

Jesus  saw  the  man  He  had  healed,  in  the  Temple,  giv- 
ing thanks  to  God  for  his  recovery.  He  said  to  him, 
"  Behold,  thou  art  made  whole  :  sin  no  more,  lest  a 
worse  thing  come  unto  thee." 

567.  What  did  the  man  then  do,  and  what  was  the 
result  ? 

The  man  went  and  told  the  Jews  that  it  was  Jesus 
who  had  made  him  whole.  "  Therefore  did  the  Jews 
persecute  Jesus,  and  sought  to  slay  him,  because  he  had 
done  these  things  on  the  sabbath  days." 

568.  What  did  Jesus  say  in  answer  to  the  Jews  ? 
"My  Father  worketh  hitherto,  and  I  work." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  71 

569.  What  did  He  mean  by  this  ? 

That  since  the  beginning  of  the  world  God  had  never 
ceased  to  work  for  man's  good.  Therefore,  Christ  His 
Son  could  not  cease  to  work  for  man's  good. 

570.  How  did  this  answer  affect  the  Jews  ? 

They  sought  all  the  more  to  kill  Him,  not  only  because, 
in  their  view,  He  had  broken  the  Sabbath  day,  but  be- 
cause He  had  said  God  was  His  Father,  making  Him- 
self equal  with  God. 

571.  Whither  did  Jesus  and  His  disciples  go  next  9 
They  returned  to  Galilee. 

572.  What  occurred  there,  soon  after  this,  on  the  Sal- 
bath  day  ? 

Jesus  and  His  disciples  were  walking  through  a  corn- 
field, and  the  disciples,  being  hungry,  picked  some  of 
the  corn,  and,  rubbing  it  in  their  hands,  they  ate  it. 

573.  When  the  Pharisees  saw  this,  what  did  they  say 
to  Christ  9 

"  Behold,  thy  disciples  do  that  which  is  not  lawful  to 
do  upon  the  sabbath  day/' 

574.  How  did  our  Lord  reply  to  this  ? 

He  reminded  them  of  what  David  did  when  he  and 
his  followers  were  flying  from  Saul ;  how,  when  they 
were  hungry,  they  went  into  the  Temple  and  ate  the 
shewbread,  which  was  only  lawful  for  the  priests. 

575.  To  what  other  fact  did  He  refer  ? 

That  the  priests  in  the  Temple  were  obliged  to  work 
on  the  Sabbath  day  and  were  still  considered  blameless. 

576.  What  did  our  Lord  show  ly  this  illustration  ? 
That  a  work  of  necessity  or  of  mercy  on  the  Sabbath 

day  is  lawful  and  right.  Therefore  the  disciples,  be- 
cause they  were  hungry,  did  no  wrong  in  plucking  the 
corn. 


72  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

577.  What  did  He  then  say  of  the  Sabbath  f 

"  The  Sabbath  was  made  for  man,  and  not  man  for 
the  Sabbath  :  therefore  the  Son  of  man  is  Lord  also 
of  the  Sabbath." 

LESSON  XV. 

ST.   MATT.   XII.  9-21 ;  ST.  MARK  III.  1-19  ;  ST.  LUKE  VI.  6-26  ; 
ST.  MATT.  V.  1-12 

578.  Whither  did  Christ  go  next,  that  same  Sabbath 
day? 

Into  the  synagogue,  to  teach. 

579.  Who  was  there  in  need  of  His  aid  9 
A  man  with  a  withered  hand. 

580.  What  did  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  who  were 
present  do  ? 

They  watched  Christ,  to  see  if  He  would  heal  the  man 
on  the  Sabbath  day,  that  they  might  accuse  Him. 

581.  What  did  Christ  do  f 

He  knew  their  evil  thoughts,  and  He  asked  them  if 
there  were  any  among  them  who,  having  only  one  sheep, 
and  it  had  fallen  into  a  pit  on  the  Sabbath  day,  would 
he  not  lift  it  out  ?  How  much  better,  then,  is  a  man 
than  a  sheep  ! 

582.  What  else  did  He  ask  ? 

"  Is  it  lawful  to  do  good  on  the  sabbath  days,  or  to  do 
evil  ?  to  save  life  or  to  kill  ?  but  they  held  their  peace." 

583.  When  He  had  looked  around  on  them  all  with 
anger,  being  grieved  for  the  hardness  of  their  hearts, 
what  did  He  say  to  the  man  ? 

"  Stretch  forth  thine  hand,"  and  he  stretched  it  out  ; 
and  it  was  restored  like  the  other. 

584.  What  did  the  Pharisees  do  then  9 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  73 

They  went  out  and  took  counsel  with  the  Herodians 
against  Him  how  they  might  destroy  Him. 

585.  Who  were  the  Herodians? 

A  Jewish  political  party  who  sympathized  with  Herod 
and  the  government,  and  with  the  social  customs  intro- 
duced from  Rome. 

586.  Were  they  friendly  with  the  Pharisees  9 

No  ;  but  now  they  united  with  them  to  hunt  Jesus  to 
death. 

587.  The  crowd  of  people  who  followed  after  Jesus 
still  increasing,  what  did  He  do  9 

He  retired  to  the  shores  of  the  lake,  and  asked  His 
disciples  to  have  a  small  boat  always  ready,  that  he 
might  push  out  from  shore  when  the  people  pressed 
too  closely  upon  Him. 

588.  Whence  did  all  these  multitudes  of  people  come, 
and  why  ? 

Christ's  fame  had  reached  so  far  that  people  came 
from  Tyre  and  Sidon,  and  far  beyond  the  Jordan,  dis- 
tances of  over  one  hundred  miles.  They  were  mostly 
diseased,  and  came  hoping  to  be  healed. 

589.  Not  long  after  this,  wishing  to  be  alone  and 
quiet,  whither  did  Christ  go  ? 

Up  into  a  mountain  near  Capernaum,  where  He  spent 
the  entire  night  in  prayer. 

590.  Early  the  next  morning  what  did  He  do  ? 

He  called  his  disciples  around  Him,  and  from  them 
chose  twelve,  whom  He  also  named  Apostles. 

591.  Name  the  twelve. 

1.  Simon  Peter  (called  Cephas).  )  0 

.  .    . v  '    \  Sons  of  Jonas. 

2.  Andrew,  his  brother.  ) 

3.  James  the  elder.       )  ~          .  „  ,    , 

}•  Sons  of  Zebedee. 

4.  John,  his  brother. 


74  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

5.  Philip. 

6.  Nathanael,  called  Bartholomew. 

7.  Matthew,  called  Levi,  the  publican. 

8.  James  the  Less,  or  younger. 

9.  Jude,  his  brother,  also  called  Lebbaeus  or  Thad- 
deus. 

10.  Thomas,  called  Didymus. 

11.  Simon,  called  Zelotes. 

12.  Judas  Iscariot. 

592.  Of  these,  which  five  had  been  called  some  months 
before  ? 

Peter,  Andrew,  James,  John,  and  Matthew. 

593.  What  was  the  social  rank  of  the  twelve  f 

They  were  all  men  of  Galilee,  all  from  the  humbler 
classes,  and  some  of  them  were  poor. 

594.  What  was    Christ's    object   in    selecting    these 
twelve  men  for  His  Apostles  ? 

That  they  might  be  constantly  with  Him,  learning  of 
Him,  in  order  to  carry  on  His  work  after  His  ascension. 

595.  Were  these  twelve  men  of  the  same  nature  and 
disposition  9 

No  ;  there  were  no  two  alike.  Some  were  bold,  some 
timid,  some  gentle,  some  doubting,  and  one  treacherous. 
But,  as  a  whole,  they  were  strong  and  complete,  and 
each  in  his  way  could  reach  a  class  of  people  that  the 
others  could  not. 

596.  After  Christ  had  chosen  the  twelve  apostles,  He 
gathered  them  about  Him,  and  to  them  and  to  the  multi- 
tude of  people  assembled  on  the  mountain  side,  what 
famous  sermon  did  He  deliver  9 

That  which  is  known  as  the  "Sermon  on  the  Mount." 

597.  Where  do  we  find  this  sermon  in  the  New  Testa- 
ment? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  75 

In  the  fifth,  sixth,  and  seventh  chapters  of  the  Gospel 
of  St.  Matthew. 

598.  What  are  the  opening  words  found  in  the  third 
verse  of  the  fifth  chapter? 

11  Blessed  are  the  poor  in   spirit :  for  theirs  is  the 
kingdom  of  heaven." 

599.  In  the  next  verse  what  did  He  say  of  mourners  9 
"  Blessed   are  they  that  mourn  :  for   they  shall   be 

comforted." 

600.  What  of  the  meek  ? 

"  Blessed  are  the  meek  :  for  they  shall  inherit  the 
earth." 

601.  What  did  He  say  of  those  who  hunger  and  thirst 
after  righteousness? 

"  Blessed  are  they  which  do  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness  :  for  they  shall  be  filled." 

602.  What  of  the  merciful  ? 

"Blessed   are   the   merciful:  for   they   shall   obtain 
mercy." 

603.  What  of  the  pure  in  heart  ? 

"  Blessed  are  the  pure  in  heart :  for  they  shall   see 
God." 

604.  What  of  the  peacemakers  9 

"  Blessed  are  the   peacemakers :  for   they  shall   be 
called  the  children  of  God." 

605.  What  did  He  say  of  those  ivho  are  persecuted  for 
righteousness1  sake  ? 

"  Blessed  are  they  which  are  persecuted  for  right- 
eousness' sake  :  for  theirs  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 

606.  What  did  He  say  of  those  who  should  suffer  for 
His  sake  ? 

"  Blessed   are   ye,  when   men   shall   revile   you,  and 
persecute  you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against 


76  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

you  falsely,  for  my  sake.  Rejoice,  and  be  exceeding 
glad  :  for  great  is  your  reward  in  heaven  :  for  so  perse- 
cuted they  the  prophets  which  were  before  you/' 

607.  What  are  these  verses,  from  the  third  to  the  thir- 
teenth, called? 

"  The  Beatitudes." 

608.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  term  ? 

It  is  the  name  applied  to  these  blessings  of  Christ 
upon  certain  virtues. 


LESSON  XVI. 

ST.  MATT.  V.  12-48  ;  VI.  1-34 ;  ST.  LUKE,  VI.  27-49 

609.  Having  pronounced  a  blessing  on  meekness,  pur- 
ity, mercy,  and  peace,  in  His  beautiful  sermon,  what  does 
our  Saviour  say  to  His  followers  ? 

He  calls  them  the  salt  of  the  earth  ;  but  tells  them 
that  if  the  salt  lose  its  "  savour,"  or  strength,  it  is  good 
for  nothing. 

610.  What  did  He  mean  by  this  comparison  ? 

As  salt  preserves  and  purifies,  so  the  Christian 
example  helps  to  strengthen  and  purify  the  world. 
Salt  without  strength,  though  still  called  salt,  is  worth- 
less. So  men  may  be  called  Christians,  yet  have  not  the 
Christlike  spirit. 

611.  To  what  does  He  next  compare  them  ? 

He  tells  them  they  are  the  light  of  the  world.  But 
they  must  not  hide  their  light.  A  candle  hid  under  a 
bushel  is  a  light,  but  it  is  useless. 

612.  How  did  He  tell  them  they  must  give  light  to  the 
ivorld  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  77 

By  being  pure  and  good,  leading  lives  of  unselfishness 
and  devotion.  By  so  doing  they  would  set  an  example 
which  would  be  like  a  shining  light  to  the  world, 
causing  men  to  glorify  God. 

613.  Of  what  did  Christ  next  speak  in  His  sermon  ? 
He   referred  to  the  Old  Testament  Law  which  the 

Pharisees  had  accused  Him  of  breaking. 

614.  What  did  He  say  in  regard  to  it  ? 

"  Think  not  that  I  am  come  to  destroy  the  law,  or  the 
prophets  :  I  am  not  come  to  destroy,  but  to  fulfil." 

615.  To  fulfil,  in  what  way  9 

Not  as  the  Pharisees  did,  in  mere  outward  religion, 
but  in  humble  and  faithful  service.  Christ  tried  to 
make  the  Jews  understand  that  He  did  not  wish  to 
break  their  law,  but  only  to  teach  them  the  true, 
spiritual  meaning  of  it. 

616.  The  Pharisees  thought  it  enough  to  be  religious 
externally  ;  but  what  did  Christ  say  in  regard  to  this  ? 

"  Except  your  righteousness  shall  exceed  the  righteous- 
ness of  the  scribes  and  Pharisees,  ye  shall  in  no  case 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  heaven."  His  meaning  was 
that  we  should  not  merely  do  right  outwardly,  as  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees  did,  but  that  we  should  also  be 
pure  in  heart. 

617.  How  did  He  say  we  should  endure  evil  treatment? 
We  should  bear  it  patiently,  and  not  return  evil  for 

evil. 

618.  He  then  said,  "Ye  have  heard  that  it  hath  been 
said,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor,  and  hate  thine  enemy." 
What  is  His  rule  9 

"  Love  your  enemies,  bless  them  that  curse  you,  do 
good  to  them  that  hate  you,  and  pray  for  them  which 
despitefully  use  you,  and  persecute  you." 


78  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

619.  Why  should  we  obey  this  rule  ? 

Because  God  deals  so  with  us  ;  therefore,  in  order 
to  be  His  true  children,  we  should  deal  so  with 
others. 

620.  What  did  He  say  to  show  that  it  is  no  credit  to 
love  only  our  friends? 

"  For  if  ye  love  them  which  love  you,  what  reward 
have  ye  ?  do  not  even  the  publicans  the  same?"  Even 
sinners  find  it  easy  to  love  their  friends  ;  but  we  must 
do  more.  We  must  try  and  love  our  enemies. 

621.  Having  spoken  of  the  spirit  of  true  religion, 
Christ  then  enjoined  modesty  in  well-doing.     He  tells  us 
not  to  give  alms  as   hypocrites  do,  to  he  seen  of  men. 
How  did  He  say  we  should  give  ? 

We  should  give  quietly,  without  boasting  or  parade. 

622.  He  next  tells  us  how  we  shall  pray.     How  did 
He  say  the  hypocrites  loved  to  pray  ? 

"  Standing  in  the  synagogues  and  in  the  corners  of 
the  streets,  that  they  may  be  seen  of  men." 

623.  How  does  He  tell  us  to  pray  ? 

Without  display,  in  secret,  knowing  that  God  sees  in 
secret  and  will  reward  us  openly. 

624.  What  else  did  He  say  about  prayer  ? 

"  Use  not  vain  repetitions,  as  the  heathen  do  ;  for 
they  think  that  they  shall  be  heard  for  their  much 
speaking." 

625.  What  incident  in  the  Old  Testament  illustrates 
this  habit  to  which  our  Lord  referred  ? 

When  the  prophets  of  Baal  were  praying  for  fire  to 
consume  their  sacrifice,  before  Elijah,  their  prayer  was 
nothing  but  a  repetition  of  the  words,  "  O  Baal,  hear 
us  !  O  Baal,  hear  us  ! "  from  morning  till  noon.  (1 
Kings  xviii.  26.) 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  79 

626.  What  beautiful  prayer  did  He   then  give  us, 
saying,  "After  this  manner  therefore  pray  ye"? 

That  which  is  known  as  "  The  Lord's  Prayer." 

627.  What  did  He  then  say  about  forgiving? 

"  For  if  ye  forgive  men  their  trespasses,  your  heavenly 
Father  will  also  forgive  you." 

628.  W here  does  He  tell  us  to  lay  up  treasures  ? 

"  In  heaven,  where  neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  cor- 
rupt, and  where  thieves  do  not  break  through  nor  steal." 
"  For  where  your  treasure  is,  there  will  your  heart  be 
also." 

629.  What  did  He  say  about  trying  to  serve  both  the 
world  and  God  ? 

He  said  we  cannot  do  both.  We  must  devote  our- 
selves wholly  to  God.  "We  cannot  serve  two  masters. 

630.  What  did  He  next  teach  in  this  sermon  ? 

That  it  is  wrong  to  be  unduly  anxious  about  what  we 
shall  eat  and  what  we  shall  drink. 

631.  What  did  He  say  our  heavenly  Father  would 
do? 

He  said  that  God,  who  clothes  the  flowers  of  the  field 
and  feeds  the  fowls  of  the  air,  will  certainly  clothe  and 
feed  us  ;  for,  He  says,  "  Are  ye  not  much  better  than 
they  ?  " 

632.  What  ought  we  to  seek  first  9 

To  do  what  God  would  have  us,  even  if  it  seem  hard, 
or  likely  to  cause  us  suffering.  If  we  do  this,  God  will 
surely  care  for  us  and  keep  us  from  real  harm. 

633.  What  did  He  add  about  anxiety  for  the  future  ? 
He  said  we  must  not  worry  or  be  over  anxious  about 

the  morrow.  We  must  live  through  one  day  at  a  time, 
leaving  the  cares  of  the  morrow  until  we  come  to 
them. 


80  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  XVII. 

ST.  MATT.  VII.  ;  VIII.   5-13  ;  ST.  LUKE  VII.  1-35  ;  ST.  MATT. 
XI.  2-19 

634.  What  did  our  Lord  command  in  regard  to  judg- 
ing the  faults  of  others  ? 

"Judge  not,  that  ye  be  not  judged/' 

635.  What  is  the  next  lesson  taught  9 

That  we  should  not  be  anxious  to  find  faults  in  others, 
failing  to  see  even  greater  faults  in  ourselves. 

636.  In  what  beautiful  words  did  He  teach  charity, 
forbearance,  and  kindness  9 

"  Therefore  all  things  whatsoever  ye  would  that  men 
should  do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them." 

637.  What  is  tJiis  verse  called? 
The  Golden  Rule. 

638.  To  what  difference  does  our  Lord  next  refer  9 
The  difference  between  true  and  false  disciples. 

639.  How  shall  they  be  known  9 

"By  their  fruits  ye  shall  know  them."  A  good  tree 
bringeth  forth  good  fruit  ;  a  corrupt  tree,  evil  fruit. 
So  a  good  man's  deeds  are  good,  and  a  bad  man's  are 
bad. 

640.  To  whom  did  our  Lord  liken  the  one  whs  hears 
His  words  and  obeys  them  9 

To  a  man  who  built  his  house  on  a  rock  ;  and  when 
the  rain  and  the  wind  came  and  beat  against  the  house, 
it  fell  not,  because  it  was  founded  on  a  rock. 

641.  To  whom  did  He  liken  the  one  who  hears,  but 
does  not  obey  His  words  9 

To  a  foolish  man  who  built  his  house  on  the  sand  ; 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  81 

and  when  the  rain  and  the  winds  came  and  beat  upon 
the  house,  it  fell,  and  great  was  the  fall  thereof. 

642.  Who  are  represented  by  the  wise  builder  ? 
Those  who  base  their  hope  of  salvation  on  Jesus  Christ, 

who  is  the  "  Rock  of  Ages  "  and  a  sure  foundation. 

643.  Who,  by  the  foolish  builder? 

Those  who  base  their  hope  on  their  works  alone  ;  who 
have  done  good  works,  possibly,  but  not  for  Christ's 
sake,  or  for  love  of  Him  and  faith  in  Him. 

644.  Do  we  read  of  this  wonderful  "  Sermon  on  the 
Mount "  in  any  of  the  Gospels  besides  that  of  St.  Mat- 
thew f 

Yes  ;  St.  Luke  gives  some  of  it  in  the  sixth  chapter 
of  his  Gospel.  It  is  thought  by  some  that  this  sermon 
was  not  preached  all  at  one  time,  but  that  St.  Matthew 
put  several  discourses  of  Christ  together. 

645.  When  Christ  had  finished  His  discourse,  ivhither 
did  He  go  ? 

He  returned  to  the  city  of  Capernaum. 

646.  As  He  was  entering  the  city  who  came  to  meet 
Him? 

Some  Jewish  elders,  who  brought  Him  a  message 
from  a  Roman  centurion  stationed  in  their  city. 

647.  What  was  a  centurion  ? 

A  Roman  officer  in  command  of  a  hundred  men. 

648.  What  was  the  message  which  the  centurion  sent 
to  Christ  by  the  elders  ? 

He  begged  that  He  would  come  to  his  home  and  heal 
one  of  his  servants,  who  was  dear  to  him,  and  was  sick, 
and  ready  to  die. 

649.  What  did  the  elders  add  ? 

That  the  centurion  was  a  worthy  man,  who  loved 
their  nation  and  had  built  them  a  synagogue. 
6 


82  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

650.  What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

11 1  will  come  and  heal  him." 

651.  When  they  were  not  far  from  the  house,  what 
word  did  the  centurion  send  to  Christ  ? 

"  Lord,  trouble  not  thyself  :  for  I  am  not  worthy 
that  thou  shouldest  enter  under  my  roof." 

652.  What  request  did  he  make  9 

"  Speak  the  word  only,  and  my  servant  shall  be 
healed.  For  I  am  a  man  under  authority,  having 
soldiers  under  me  :  and  I  say  to  this  man,  Go,  and 
he  goeth  ;  and  to  another,  Come,  and  he  cometh  ;  and 
to  my  servant,  Do  this,  and  he  doeth  it." 

653.  What  did  he  mean  by  this  message  ? 

That  if  he,  a  mere  Roman  officer,  could  give  orders 
and  be  obeyed,  surely  Jesus,  the  Lord  of  Lords,  need 
not  come  Himself,  but  could  send  some  messenger  to 
do  His  will,  and  heal  the  servant. 

654.  How  was  Jesus  affected  by  this  message,  and 
what  did  He  say  9 

He  was  pleased  to  find  such  faith  and  humility  in  a 
Gentile,  and  He  said  to  them  that  followed  Him,  "  I 
have  not  found  so  great  faith,  no,  not  in  Israel." 

655.  What  message  did  He  send  to  the  Roman  officer  f 
"  As  thou  hast  believed,  so  be  it  done  unto  thee." 

And  the  servant  was  healed  that  same  hour. 

656.  Whither  did  Christ  go  with  His  disciples  the 
next  day  ? 

To  a  little  town  called  Nain,  in  the  southern  part  of 
Galilee,  about  twenty  miles  from  Capernaum. 

657.  As  they  neared  the  gate  of  this  town  what  did 
they  meet  ? 

A  funeral  procession.  The  bearers  were  carrying 
out  of  the  city  the  body  of  a  young  man,  the  only  son 
of  his  mother,  who  was  a  widow. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  83 

658.  What  were  some  of  the  funeral  customs  of  the 
Jews? 

Burials  were  generally  outside  of  the  city  walls. 
The  body,  wrapped  in  a  long  piece  of  cloth  for  a 
shroud,  with  a  napkin  over  the  face,  was  placed,  not 
in  a  coffin,  but  on  a  bier,  or  simple  board  carried  on 
two  poles. 

659.  By  whom  was  the  body  carried  ? 
By  friends  of  the  mourners. 

660.  Who  were  hired  to  lament  at  the  funerals  of  the 
Jews? 

Women  who  were  professional  mourners.  They 
would  weep  and  lament  aloud,  playing  mournful 
music,  as  they  walked  in  the  procession. 

661.  What  respect  is  paid  to  these  funeral  processions 
in  the  East  ? 

Greater  respect  than  with  us  ;  strangers  wait  rever- 
ently as  they  pass,  and  often  turn  and  join  the  proces- 
sion, mingling  their  groans  with  those  of  the  mourners 
as  a  token  of  sympathy. 

662.  As  Jesus  met  this  funeral  procession  what  did 
He  do? 

When  He  saw  the  widowed  mother,  as  she  walked 
before  the  bier  of  her  only  son,  He  had  compassion  on 
her,  and  said  to  her,  "  Weep  not." 

663.  What  did  He  then  do  ? 

He  touched  the  bier  ;  and  they  that  were  carrying  it 
stood  still,  and  He  said,  "  Young  man,  I  say  unto  thec, 
Arise."  "  And  he  that  was  dead  sat  up,  and  began  to 
speak  ;  and  he  delivered  him  to  his  mother." 

664.  Why  was  this  a  notable  miracle? 

It  was  the  first  time  that  Christ  raised  the  dead,  and 
it  filled  the  people  with  awe  and  wonder. 


84  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

665.  TJie  fame  of  Christ's  victory  over  death,  together 
with  the  many  other  mighty  works  He  had  done,  was 
carried  to  John  the  Baptist,  still  imprisoned  in  the 
gloomy  fortress   of  Macherus,  east  of  the  Dead  Sea. 

What  did  he  do  ? 

He  sent  two  of  his  disciples  to  Jesus  to  inquire  of  Him, 
"  Art  thou  he  that  should  come,  or  look  we  for  another?" 

666.  How  ivas  our  Saviour  occupied  when  the  mes- 
senger reached  Him  ? 

He  was  engaged  in  His  daily  labor  of  love,  healing 
diseases,  restoring  sight  to  the  blind,  and  casting  out 
evil  spirits. 

667.  What  did  Jesus  reply  to  John's  messengers  ? 

"  Go  your  way,  and  tell  John  what  things  ye  have 
seen  and  heard  ;  how  the  blind  see,  the  lame  walk,  the 
lepers  are  cleansed,  the  deaf  hear,  the  dead  are  raised, 
to  the  poor  the  gospel  is  preached/' 

668.  After  the  messengers  had  departed,  what  did 
Christ  say  to  the  people,  of  John  the  Baptist  ? 

He  paid  him  a  most  beautiful,  loving  tribute  ;  saying 
he  was  the  greatest  prophet  who  had  ever  lived,  being 
the  forerunner  of  the  Messiah. 


LESSON  XVIII. 

ST.  LUKE  VII.  86-50  ;  VIII.  1-3,  19-21 ;  ST.  MATT.  XII.  22-50  ; 
ST.  LUKE  XI.  14-83  ;  ST.  MARK  III.  19-35 

669.  Soon  after  this,  who  invited  Christ  to  attend  a 
feast  ? 

A  Pharisee  named  Simon  ;  probably  from  curiosity 
to  see  and  talk  with  a  man  who  was  causing  such  ex- 
citement among  the  people. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  85 

670.  Mention  some  of  the  social  customs  of  the  Jews. 
When  a  guest  arrived  at  a  house,  his  shoes  or  sandals 

were  taken  off,  as  it  was  considered  uncivil  to  enter 
with  them  on.  A  servant  then  brought  water  and 
washed  the  feet,  to  cool  them  as  well  as  to  remove  the 
dust. 

671.  How  did  the  master  of  the  house  receive  his  guest  9 
With  a  kiss  on  the  cheek,  saying,  "  The  Lord  be  with 

you." 

672.  What  other  attention  was  generally  shown  9 
The  host  himself  or  one  of  his  servants  would  anoint 

the  hair  and  beard  of  the  guest  with  fragrant  oil. 

673.  What  else  was  done  before  eating  ? 

Water  was  again  brought  to  wash  the  hands,  as  the 
food  was  taken  by  dipping  the  fingers,  or  a  piece  of 
bread,  in  a  common  dish. 

674.  Did  Christ  receive   these  customary  attentions 
when  He  entered  the  house  of  Simon  the  Pharisee  ? 

No  ;  they  were  omitted  by  Simon,  who  evidently 
wanted  to  make  Christ  feel  that  He  was  honored  in 
being  admitted  at  all  to  his  table. 

675.  Of  what  form  was  the  table  at  which  the  guests 
ate? 

It  was  generally  in  the  form  of  three  sides  of  a  square. 
The  guests  reclined  on  couches  around  the  outside,  and 
the  servants  waited  on  them  from  the  inside  of  the 
square. 

676.  As  Jesus  was  reclining  at  the  table,  the  unsan- 
dalledfeet  being  extended  backward  on  the  wide  couch, 
what  occurred  ?  » 

A  woman,  who  had  been  a  sinner,  but  who  had  re- 
pented of  her  sins,  crept  in  behind  Christ  as  He  lay  at 
table. 


86  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

677.  What  did  she  do  9 

She  washed  His  feet  with  her  tears,  wiped  them  with 
her  hair,  and  kissed  them.  Then  she  anointed  them 
with  some  fragrant  ointment  she  had  brought  in  an 
alabaster  box. 

678.  How  did  Simon  the  Pharisee  regard  this  9 

He  wondered  that  Christ  should  allow  it,  thinking, 
"  This  man,  if  he  were  a  prophet,  would  have  known 
who  and  what  manner  of  woman  this  is  that  toucheth 
him  ;  for  she  is  a  sinner." 

679.  What  did  Christ  say  to  Simon  9 

He  noticed  Simon's  displeasure,  and  said  to  him, 
"  Simon,  I  have  somewhat  to  say  unto  thee."  And 
Simon  replied,  "Master,  say  on." 

680.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  9 

"  There  was  a  certain  creditor,  which  had  two  debtors  : 
the  one  owed  five  hundred  pence,  and  the  other  fifty. 
And  when  they  had  nothing  to  pay,  he  frankly  forgave 
them  both.  Tell  me  therefore,  which  of  them  will  love 
him  most  ?  " 

681.  How  did  Simon  answer  9 

"I  suppose  that  he  to  whom  he  forgave  most." 
"  Thou  hast  rightly  judged,"  replied  the  Saviour. 

682.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  9 

"Seest  thou  this  woman  ?  I  entered  into  thine  house, 
thpu  gavest  me  no  water  for  my  feet  :  but  she  hath 
washed  my  feet  with  tears  and  wiped  them  with  the 
hairs  of  her  head." 

683.  To  what  second  neglect  of  Simon's  did  He  next 
refer  9 

"  Thou  gavest  me  no  kiss  ;  but  this  woman,  since  the 
time  I  came  in,  hath  not  ceased  to  kiss  my  feet." 

684.  What  was  the  third  slight  ? 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  87 

"My  head  with  oil  thou  didst  not  anoint ;  but  this 
woman  hath  anointed  my  feet  with  ointment." 

685.  What  did  Christ  then  say  to  Simon  ? 

"  Her  sins,  which  are  many,  are  forgiven  ;  for  she 
loved  much  ;  but  to  whom  little  is  forgiven,  the  same 
loveth  little." 

686.  What  did  He  say  to  the  woman  ? 

"Thy  sins  are  forgiven."  "Thy  faith  hath  saved 
thee  ;  go  in  peace." 

687.  Soon  after  this  event,  whither  did  Christ  go  with 
His  disciples  ? 

On  a  tour  through  the  cities  and  villages  of  Galilee, 
preaching  the  Kingdom  of  God,  and  pressed  by  such 
crowds  of  people  seeking  His  aid,  that  neither  He  nor 
His  disciples  found  time  "  even  to  eat  bread." 

688.  Who  went  with  our  Lord  and  His  disciples  on 
this,  their  second  preaching  tour  through  Galilee  ? 

A  number  of  women  ;  Mary  Magdalene,  out  of  whom 
Christ  had  cast  seven  devils,  Joanna,  Susanna,  and  many 
others. 

689.  Christ  and  His  twelve  Apostles  had  all  given  up 
their  means  of  earning  a  living,  and  Jesus  would  never 
by  a  miracle  supply  their  necessities;   how  did  they 
find  the  means  of  subsistence  during  the  three  years  of 
Christ's  public  ministry  ? 

They  seem  to  have  had  a  common  purse,  which  was 
kept  filled  by  the  grateful  love  of  those  who  had  been 
benefited  by  Christ's  mercy.  Some  good  women  will- 
ingly gave  their  needed  help. 

690.  Soon  after  His  return  from  His  second  preaching 
tour  through  Galilee,  what  miracle  did  Christ  perform  ? 

He  healed  a  man  possessed  with  a  devil,  and  who  was 
also  blind  and  dumb. 


88  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

691.  What  blasphemous  thing  did  the  Pharisees  say 
of  Christ,  when  they  heard  of  this  miracle  9 

They  declared  that  He  owed  His  power  of  casting 
out  devils  to  Beelzebub  the  prince  of  devils. 

692.  This  caused  open  conflict  between  the  Pharisees 
and  Christ;  what  terrible  warning  did  He  give  them  9 

He  told  them  that  by  thus  blaspheming  against  the 
Holy  Ghost  they  were  in  danger  of  "  unpardonable 
sin,"  or  "eternal  sin." 

693.  How  did  they  blaspheme  against  the  Holy  Ghost  f 
By  saying  that  the  Spirit,  or  the  Holy  Ghost,  who  was 

in  Christ,  was  an  evil  spirit. 

694.  What  did  Christ  say  to  the  Pharisees  ? 

"  O  generation  of  vipers  !  how  can  ye,  being  evil, 
speak  good  things  ?  for  out  of  the  abundance  of  the 
heart  the  moxith  speaketh." 

695.  WJiile  He  was  still  talking  to  the  people,  who 
stood  without  desiring  to  speak  with  Him  ? 

His  mother  and  His  brethren,  who  could  not  get  near 
Him  because  of  the  crowd. 

696.  When  some  one  told  Him  of  this,  what  did  He 
say? 

He  stretched  forth  His  hand  toward  His  disciples  and 
said,  "  Behold  my  mother  and  my  brethren  !  For  who- 
soever shall  do  the  will  of  God,  the  same  is  my  brother, 
and  my  sister,  and  mother." 

697.  Christ  did  not  intend  to  slight  His  mother  and 
brethren,  who  had  probably  come  to   take  Him  home. 
What  then  did  He  mean  ? 

He  meant  that  not  even  for  his  mother's  sake  could 
He  slight  His  Father's  work  among  all  these  His  fol- 
lowers, who  were,  in  the  highest  sense,  His  family. 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  89 

LESSON   XIX. 

ST.  MATT.  XIII.  1-30  ;  ST.  MARK  IV.  1-25  ;  ST.  LUKE  VIII. 
4-18 

698.  That  same  afternoon,  whither  did  our  Lord  go  9 
Down  to  the  shores  of  the  lake,  and  the  crowd  being 

great,  he  entered  a  little  fishing-boat,  and,  sitting  in  it 
a  short  distance  from  the  water's  edge,  He  addressed 
the  multitude  on  the  shore. 

699.  Up  to  this  time  Christ  had  made  use  of  two 
methods  of  teaching  ;  what  were  they  ? 

Miracles  and  sermons. 

700.  What  new  method  did  He  now  make  use  off 
He  began  to  speak  to  the  people  in  parables. 

701.  What  is  a  parable  9 

Strictly  the  word  means  a  placing  of  things  beside 
each  other  for  comparison,  in  order  to  teach  a  moral 
lesson.  A  parable  teaches,  in  the  form  of  a  story  or  of 
an  image,  a  moral  truth  or  lesson.  Some  one  has  said 
that  it  is  "  an  earthly  story  with  an  heavenly  meaning." 

702.  Christ  was  a  keen  observer  of  nature;  of  the 
fields  of  wheat,  of  the  ways  of  the  birds,  of  the  flowers, 
of  the  sheep  following  the  shepherd,  of  the  sea,  and  the 
changes  of  the  seasons.     How  did  He  constantly  refer  to 
these  simple  subjects  ? 

He  used  them  for  illustrations  in  His  parables. 

703.  Of  what  else  was  He  a  keen  observer  9 

Of  human  nature.  He  used  for  illustration  in  some 
of  His  parables  such  common  subjects  as  a  wedding 
feast,  a  rich  man  and  a  poor  man,  the  Pharisee  and  the 
publican,  the  laborers  in  the  vineyard,  an  unjust  judge, 
a  good  Samaritan. 


90  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

704.  Christ's  parables  or  stories  (of  which  we  have 
forty]  have  all  one  great  subject ;  what  is  it  f 

The  Kingdom  of  God.  Many  of  the  parables  begin 
with  these  words  :  "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like/' 

705.  Why  could    not    the  people    understand  what 
Christ  meant  by  the  Kingdom  of  God  f 

Because  they  expected  it  to  be  one  of  worldly  splen- 
dor and  outward  magnificence.  Christ  tried  to  teach 
them  that  God's  kingdom  must  be  within  the  heart, 
making  it  pure,  meek,  and  merciful. 

706.  What  was  the  first  parable  which  Christ  gave 
that  day,  by  the  lake  9 

The  parable  of  the  Sower.  They  had  seen  the  sowers 
sowing  the  seed  as  they  came  over  the  pathway  through 
the  fields,  and  this  had  probably  suggested  the  subject 
for  the  lesson. 

707.  How  did  this  parable  begin  f 

"  Behold,"  said  Christ,  "  a  sower  went  out  to  sow  his 
seed;  and  as  he  sowed,  some  fell  by  the  wayside; "  and  it 
was  either  trodden  under  foot,  or  devoured  by  the  birds. 

708.  What  was  meant  by  the  "  wayside  "  9 

The  footpath  across  the  field,  which  was  trodden 
hard,  and  had  not  been  ploughed  and  made  ready  for 
the  seed. 

709.  Where  next  did  some  seed  fall  f 

On  stony  ground  ;  and  as  soon  as  it  sprang  up,  it 
withered  away,  because  there  was  not  much  earth,  and 
no  room  for  the  roots  to  grow. 

710.  What  became  of  the  seed  which  fell  among  the 
thorns  9 

The  thorns  sprang  up  and  choked  the  seed  so  that  it 
bore  no  fruit. 

711.  Lastly,  where  did  some  seed  fall? 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  91 

On  good  ground  ;  and  brought  forth  fruit  ;  some  an 
hundred,  some  sixty,  and  some  thirty  fold. 

712.  How  many  kinds  of  ground  did  Christ  mention 
in  this  parable  ? 

Four  ;  the  footpath  or  wayside,  the  stony  ground, 
the  thorny  ground,  and  the  good  ground. 

713:  What  did  Christ  mean  by  the  "seed"  in  this 
parable  9 

The  word  of  God. 

714.  What  by  the  "  sower  "  ? 

The  one  who  teaches  the  word  of  God. 

715.  What  did  He  mean  l>y  the  four  different  kinds 
of  ground  in  which  the  seed  fell  ? 

Four  classes  or  kinds  of  hearers. 

716.  What  kind  of  hearers  are  meant  by  the  wayside? 
The  careless,  thoughtless  hearers,  on  whom  the  word 

of  God  does  not  even  make  an  impression. 

717.  What  by  the  stony  ground? 

Those  who  are  impulsive  and  easily  moved,  in  whom 
the  truth  springs  up  for  a  time,  but  at  the  first  trial  or 
temptation  it  withers  away. 

718.  What  by  the  thorny  ground  ? 

Those  who  hear  the  truth  and  receive  it,  but  who  do 
not  make  it  the  one  important  thing  ;  so  the  cares  and 
pleasures  of  the  world  come  up  and  choke  it. 

719.  What  by  the  good  ground  f 

Those  who  hear  the  truth  and  receive  it  with  their 
whole  heart,  soul,  and  mind  ;  and  bring  forth  fruit, 
abundant  harvest  of  good  works. 

720.  Christ  then  put  another  parable  to  them,  begin- 
ning, "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  likened  unto  a  man 
which  sowed  good  seed  in  his  field : "  what  happened 
while  his  men  slept  9 


92  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

An  enemy  came  and  sowed  tares  among  the  wheat, 
and  when  the  wheat  grew  up  the  tares  appeared  also. 

721.  What  were  "tares"? 

A  kind  of  poisonous  grass  which  was  common  in 
Palestine,  and  which  at  first  looked  very  much  like 
wheat.  Only  when  the  ear  appeared  could  the  differ- 
ence be  seen. 

722.  When  the  servants  found  the  tares  growing  in 
the  wheat,  what  did  they  ask  of  their  master,  and  what 
was  his  reply  9 

They  asked  if  he  did  not  sow  good  seed  in  his  field  ; 
if  so,  whence  came  the  tares  ?  The  master  said,  "  An 
enemy  hath  done  this." 

723.  What  did  the  servants  ask  next  9 
If  they  should  go  and  pull  up  the  tares. 

724.  What  did  the  master  reply  9 

He  told  them  to  let  them  grow  till  harvest-time,  when 
he  would  tell  his  reapers  to  gather  first  the  tares  into  bun- 
dles to  be  burned  ;  but  to  gather  the  wheat  into  his  barn. 

725.  What  did  Christ  mean  by  the  field? 
The  world. 

726.  Who  was  he  who  sowed  the  good  seed  ? 
God. 

727.  Who  was  the  enemy  9 
Satan. 

728.  Who  are  represented  by  the  good  seed  and  the 
tares  9 

The  good  seed  are  the  children  of  God,  and  the  tares 
•are  the  children  of  the  evil  one. 

729.  What  is  the  lesson  9 

That  God  allows  the  good  and  the  evil  to  live  together 
on  the  earth  as  long  as  the  world  lasts  ;  but  that 
finally  He  will  separate  the  good  from  the  evil. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  93 


LESSON   XX. 

ST.  MATT.  XIII.  31-50  ;  VIII.  18,  23-34  ;  ST.  MARK  IV.  35-41  ; 
V.  1-21 ;  ST.  LUKE  VIII.  22-39 

730.  In  the  third  parable  which  Jesus  spake  that  day, 
to  what  did  He  liken  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  ? 

To  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  which  is  one  of  the 
smallest  of  seeds,  but  when  it  is  grown,  it  is  the  great- 
est among  herbs,  and  becomes  a  tree,  so  that  birds  come 
and  lodge  in  its  branches. 

731.  What  is  taught  in  this  parable  9 

That  the  Gospel  truth,  which  was  preached  by  an 
humble  carpenter's  son  and  a  few  poor,  ignorant  men, 
had  power  in  itself  to  produce  a  kingdom  which  should 
finally  rule  and  shelter  the  whole  earth. 

732.  Mention  the  fourth  parable  :  that  of  the  Leaven. 
Christ  said,  "  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto 

leaven  (or  yeast),  which  a  woman  took,  and  hid  in  three 
measures  of  meal,  till  the  whole  was  leavened." 

733.  What  are  meant  by  the  meal  (or  dough),   the 
leaven,  and  the  effect  on  the  dough  when  the  leaven  is 
put  into  it  f 

An  evil  world,  without  divine  life,  is  the  lump  of 
dough  ;  the  Gospel  truth  is  the  bit  of  leaven  ;  the 
Gospel  proclaimed  to  the  world  is  the  leaven  put  into 
the  lump  of  dough. 

734.  What  is  the  lesson  taught  ? 

That  when  the  Gospel  is  preached,  the  divine  power 
in  it  will  silently  spread  through  the  evil  world,  and 
change  its  whole  nature,  as  leaven  or  yeast  changes  a 
lump  of  dough. 


94  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

735.  After  this,  Jesus  went  into  the  house  with  His 
disciples,  and  here  He  spoke  three  more  parables  to  them. 
What  was  the  first  9 

The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  a  treasure  hid  in  a 
field,  which,  when  a  man  has  found,  he  hides,  and  joy- 
fully goes  and  sells  all  which  he  has  and  buys  that  field 
in  order  to  possess  the  treasure  ;  by  which  treasure  is 
meant  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven. 

736.  What  was  the  second  par  able? 

The  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  a  merchant  seeking 
for  pearls,  and  when  he  found  one  pearl  of  great  price 
he  went  and  sold  all  that  he  had  and  bought  it. 

737.  What  is  the  lesson  in  both  these  parables  9 
That  the  Kingdom  of  Heaven  is  a  treasure  of  such 

value  that  it  should  be  sought  for  and  obtained  first 
and  above  all  things.  Even  in  exchange  for  all  other 
possessions,  the  gain  would  be  great. 

738.  What  was   the   third  and  last  parable  which 
Christ  uttered  at  that  time  9 

The  parable  of  the  Drag-net.  The  Kingdom  of 
Heaven  is  like  unto  a  net  that  was  cast  into  the  sea 
and  gathered  of  every  kind  of  fish,  and  which,  when  it 
was  full,  was  pulled  in,  and  the  good  were  gathered 
into  vessels,  and  the  bad  were  cast  away. 

739.  To  what  kind  of  a  net  did  Christ  refer  in  this 
parable  9 

To  an  immense  seine,  then  in  common  use  ;  one  end 
of  this  large  net  was  held  on  shore,  and  the  other  was 
hauled  off  in  a  boat  a  great  distance  and  then  returned 
to  shore  again,  landing  a  great  number  of  fishes  of  all 
kinds. 

740.  In  the  parable,  what  are  meant  by  the  net,  the 
fishes,  and  the  sea  9 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  95 

The  net  is  the  Church  of  Christ,  the  fish  are  the  peo- 
ple drawn  within  the  Church,  and  the  sea  is  the  world 
from  which  the  people  are  drawn. 

741.  What  is  the  lesson  taught  9 

We  must  not  think  it  enough  to  be  within  the  Church, 
because  even  there  there  are  bad  people  as  well  as  good. 
We  must  strive,  therefore,  to  be  worthy  children  of 
God,  for  He  knows  His  own,  and  at  the  last  will  sepa- 
rate them  from  the  unworthy. 

742.  On  the  evening  of  the  same  day  what  did  Christ 
say  to  His  disciples,  and  whither  did  they  go  ? 

He  said  to  them,  "Let  us  go  over  unto  the  other  side 
of  the  lake."  So  they  entered  a  little  boat,  and  there 
were  other  little  boats  which  followed  them,  and  they 
started  to  cross  the  lake. 

743.  They  had  not  sailed  far,  when  what  occurred? 
There  arose  a  great  storm  of  wind,  and  the  waves 

beat  high  and  nearly  filled  the  little  boats  with  water. 

744.  Where  was  Christ  ? 

He,  being  weary,  was  lying  on  a  pillow  fast  asleep  in 
the  "  hinder  part  of  the  ship,"  or  boat. 

745.  What  did  His  disciples  do  ? 

They  were  terrified,  for  their  lives  seemed  in  danger, 
and  they  awoke  Jesus,  saying,  "  Master,  Master,  we 
perish  !  " 

746.  What  did  Christ  then  do  ? 

"  He  arose  and  rebuked  the  wind,  and  said  unto  the 
sea,  Peace,  be  still.  And  the  wind  ceased,  and  there 
was  a  great  calm." 

747.  What  did  He  then  say  to  His  disciples  f 
"  Why  are  ye  fearful,  O  ye  of  little  faith  ?  " 

748.  Wliat  did  the  disciples  say  among  themselves  ? 
They  were  astonished  beyond  measure,  and  said  one 


96  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

to  another,  "  What  manner  of  man  is  this,  that  even 
the  wind  and  the  sea  obey  him  !  " 

749.  When  they  had  sailed  to  the  eastern  shores  of  the 
lake,  where  did  they  land? 

In  the  country  of  the  Gadarenes,  not  far  from  the 
town  of  Gadara. 

750.  As  they  went  up  out  of  the  ship,  who  met  them  ? 
A  demoniac,  or  a  man  who  was  possessed  with  devils, 

which  made  him  like  a  madman.     (St.  Matthew  says 
there  were  two,  St.  Mai'k  and  St.  Luke  speak  only  of  one.) 

751.  Where  did  he  live  ? 

In  the  tombs  or  caves  cut  from  the  rocks,  used  for 
burying  the  dead. 

752.  Had  Ms  friends  tried  to  restrain  him  ? 

Yes ;  he  had  been  confined  with  chains,  but,  as  is 
often  the  case  with  maniacs,  he  had  such  extraordinary 
strength  that  he  had  broken  his  chains  and  fetters,  and 
no  one  could  tame  him. 

753.  How  did  he  spend  Ms  time  ? 

Night  and  day  he  wandered  about  the  mountains  and 
in  the  tombs,  crying  and  cutting  himself  with  stones  ; 
and  was  so  fierce  that  no  one  dared  pass  that  way. 

754.  What  did  the  demoniac  do  when  he  saiu  Jesus  ? 
He  ran  and  fell  down  at  His  feet  and  cried  with  a  loud 

voice,  "  What  have  I  to  do  with  thee,  Jesus,  thou  Son 
of  the  most  high  God?  I  beseech  thee,  torment  me  not." 

755.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  Mm  ? 

"Come  out  of  the  man,  thou  unclean  spirit." 

756.  What  did  Jesus  asTc  Mm  9 

"  What  is  thy  name  ?  And  he  said,  Legion  ;  because 
many  devils  were  entered  into  him." 

757.  What  was  there  near  ~by  ? 

A  herd  of  about  two  thousand  swine,  feeding. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  97 

758.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  swine  9 

As  unclean.  They  were  forbidden  to  eat  the  flesh  of 
swine,  and  were  not  allowed  to  keep  them. 

759.  What  did  the  devils  in  the  man  beseech  Christ  9 
"  If  thou  cast  us  out,  suffer  us  to  go  away  into  the 

herd  of  swine." 

760.  What  did  Christ  say,  and  what  then  happened  9 
"  And  he  said  unto  them,  Go.     And  when  they  were 

come  out,  they  went  into  the  herd  of  swine,"  and 
immediately  they  became  mad,  and  rushed  headlong 
down  the  mountain  into  the  lake,  where  they  perished. 

761.  What  did  the  keepers  of  the  swine  do  ? 

They  fled  in  alarm  into  the  city,  and  told  what  they 
had  seen,  and  multitudes  went  out  to  see  what  had 
happened. 

762.  When  they  came  to  Jesus,  what  did  they  see  9 
The  demoniac,  sitting  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  no  longer 

raving,  but  clothed  and  in  his  right  mind. 

763.  What  did  the  people  leg  of  Christ  ? 

They  were  afraid,  and  besought  Him  to  leave  their 
country. 

764.  Did  Jesus  consent,  and  what  did  the  man  who 
had  been  healed  ask  of  Him  9 

Yes  ;  and  the  man  begged  that  he  might  go  with 
them. 

765.  Did  Jesus  consent  to  this  9 

No  ;  He  bade  him  return  to  his  friends  and  tell  how 
great  things  the  Lord  had  done  for  him. 

766.  Did  the  man  obey  9 

Yes  ;  he  spread  throughout  his  country  the  news  of 
Christ's  work.     (Some  one  has  said  that  Christ  spent 
a  few  hours  in  Gadara  ;  He  found  a  demoniac,  and  left 
a  missionary.) 
7 


98  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE 

LESSON   XXL 

ST.  MATT.  IX.  18-34 ;  ST.  MARK  V.  21-43  ;  ST.  LUKE  VIII. 
40-56 

767.  When  our  Lord  returned  to  the  western  shore  of 
the  lake,  who  sought  Him  ? 

Jairus,  a  ruler  of  the  synagogue,  came  and  fell  at 
Jesus'  feet. 

768.  What  was  his  trouble  9 

He  had  an  only  daughter,  about  twelve  years  of  age, 
and  she  was  dying  ;  and  he  implored  the  Saviour  to  go 
home  with  him  and  lay  His  hands  on  her  that  she 
might  live. 

769.  What  did  our  Lord  do  9 

He  arose  and  followed  him,  and  so  did  His  disciples. 

770.  As  they  were  on  their  way  to  the  ruler's  house, 
followed,  as  usual,  by  the  multitude  of  people  pressing 
close  upon  Jesus,  what  occurred  ? 

A  woman,  who  had  been  an  invalid  for  years,  came 
up  behind  Christ  and  touched  the  hem  of  His  garment, 
and  she  was  immediately  healed. 

771.  What  did  Jesus  say  9 

And  Jesus  said,  "  Who  touched  me  ?  "  and  Peter  and 
the  other  disciples  said,  "  Thou  seest  the  multitude 
thronging  thee,  and  sayest  thou,  Who  touched  me  ?  " 

772.  What  did  Jesus  reply  ? 

"  Somebody  hath  touched  me  ;  for  I  perceive  that 
virthe  is  gone  out  of  me." 

773.  What  did  the  woman  do  when  she  found  that 
Christ  had  noticed  her  touch  ? 

She  fell  at  His  feet  and  told  Him  all. 

774.  What  did  our  Lord  say  to  her  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  99 

"  Daughter,  be  of  good  comfort :  thy  faith  hath 
made  thee  whole  ;  go  in  peace." 

775.  This  delay  must  have  been  a  sore  trial  to  the 
anxious  father,  who  stood,  however,  patiently  and  quietly 
waiting  while  Christ  was  talking  to  the  woman.     What 
message  was  brought  to  him,  while  they  were  still  wait- 
ing? 

A  messenger  came  from  his  home,  saying,  "Thy 
daughter  is  dead  :  trouble  not  the  Master." 

776.  What  did  this  message  show  ? 

While  they  believed  that  Christ  might  have  healed 
the  child,  they  did  not  believe  in  His  power  to  bring 
her  to  life. 

777.  There  was  one  thing  necessary  when  Christ  per- 
formed a  miracle  ;  what  was  it  ? 

That  the  person  whom  Christ  was  benefiting  should 
have  faith. 

778.  When  the  message  of  his  child's  death  was  brought 
to  the  father,  there  seemed  some  danger  that  it  might 
shake  his  faith,  and  so  the  miracle  would  not  have  been 
possible.     How  did  our  Lord  gently  and  graciously  pre- 
vent his  doubt  ? 

He  said  to  Jairus,  "Be  not  afraid,  only  believe." 

779.  On  reaching  the  ruler's  house,  what  did  they 
find? 

A  crowd  of  mourners,  real  and  hired. 

780.  How  did  the  Jews  show  their  grief? 

They  wept,  tore  their  clothes,  beat  their  breasts, 
fasted,  lay  on  the  ground,  went  barefoot,  and  tore  their 
hair  or  beards. 

781.  What  was  the  custom  of  near  relatives  during 
the  season  of  mourning,  which  commonly  lasted  seven 
days? 


100  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

They  sat  in  the  house,  with  their  faces  covered,  doing 
nothing.  They  did  not  dress  themselves,  make  their 
beds,  uncover  their  heads,  shave,  or,  bathe  themselves, 
or  cut  their  nails.  Nobody  spoke  to  them  unless  they 
spoke  first. 

782.  What  can  you  say  of  a  house  ivhere  an  Israelite 
had  died? 

The  house  itself,  all  persons  in  it,  and  all  the  furni- 
ture were  considered  as  polluted  or  unclean  for  seven 
days.  All  who  touched  a  dead  body  or  a  grave  were 
also  unclean  for  seven  days. 

783.  How  were  such  formally  cleansed  ? 

They  put  some  ashes  of  an  ox  which  had  been  sacri- 
ficed by  the  High  Priest  in  a  vessel,  and  poured  water 
on  them.  Some  one  who  was  "  clean  "  dipped  a  bunch 
of  hyssop  in  this  and  sprinkled  with  it  the  house,  room, 
and  furniture,  and  the  people,  who,  after  bathing  and 
washing  their  clothes,  were  then  considered  cleansed. 

784.  Who  only  entered  the  house  of  Jairus  with  Jesus 
and  the  father? 

A  crowd  of  curious  people  wished  to  enter,  but  Jesus 
took  only  three  of  His  disciples. 

785.  These  three  were  chosen  by  Christ  more  than  once 
after  this,  to  witness  what  was  hidden  from  the  rest. 
This  is  the  first  time  we  are  told  of  such  a  selection. 
Which  of  the  twelve  were  they? 

Peter,  James,  and  John. 

786.  When   our   Lord  with  these  three  and  Jairus 
entered  the  house,  what  did  He  say  to  the  mourners  who 
were  there,  filling  the  air  with  their  noisy  lamentations  ? 

"  Why  make  ye  this  ado,  and  weep  ?  the  damsel  is 
not  dead,  but  sleepeth."  And  they  laughed  him  to 
scorn,  knowing  that  she  was  dead. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  101 

787.  WJiat  did  Christ  then  do  9 

He  turned  every  one  out  of  the  house,  except  the 
parents  and  His  three  disciples  ;  with  them  He  went 
into  the  room  where  the  child  was  lying.  He  "  took 
her  by  the  hand,  arid  called,  saying,  Maid,  arise." 

788.  What  happened  then? 

At  Christ's  command  the  departed  spirit  returned 
into  the  child,  and  she  arose  and  walked. 

789.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  the  astonished  parents? 
He  charged  them  that  no  man  should  know  it ;  and 

commanded  that  something  should  be  given  the  child 
to  eat. 

790.  As  Jesus  departed  thence,  what  two   men  fol- 
lowed Him,  and  what  did  they  request  1 

Two  blind  men,  crying,  "Thou  son  of  David,  have 
mercy  on  us/' 

791.  When   they  had  followed  Jesus   even   into   the 
house,  what  did  He  say  to  them,  and  what  was  their 
answer  ? 

"  Believe  ye  that  I  am  able  to  do  this  ?  "  They  said 
unto  him,  "  Yea,  Lord. " 

792.  What  did  our  Lord  then  do  ? 

He  touched  their  eyes,  saying,  "  According  to  your 
faith  be  it  unto  you."  And  their  eyes  were  opened. 
This  is  the  first  of  the  many  healings  of  the  blind 
recorded  in  the  Gospels. 

793.  As  they  went  out,  who  was  brought  to  Him  to  be 
healed  ? 

A  dumb  man  possessed  with  a  devil;  and  when  the 
devil  was  cast  out,  the  man  spoke. 

794.  What  are  we  told  the  Pharisees  again  said  ? 

"  He  casteth  out  devils  through  the  prince  of  the 
devils." 


102  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  XXII. 

ST.  MATT.  XIII.  54-58  ;  IX.  35-38  ;  XIV.  6-12  ;  X.  1,  5-42  ; 
XI.  1  ;  ST.  MARK  VI.  1-13,  21-29  ;  ST.  LUKE  IX.  1-6 

•  795.    Whither  did  our  Lord  next  go  ? 

He  went  with  His  disciples  to  Nazareth,  His  old  home, 
and  on  the  Sabbath  day  He  taught  in  the  synagogue. 

796.  This  was  His  second  visit  there.     How  was  He 
received  by  the  Nazarenes  this  time  9 

Not  with  the  same  violence  as  before  ;  but  they  re- 
ceived Him  coldly  ;  "  they  were  offended  at  him." 

797.  Why  could  they  not  believe  ? 

Because  all  His  life  had  been  so  familiar  to  them, 
they  could  not  believe  Him  greater  than  they.  They 
said,  "  Is  not  this  the  carpenter's  son  ?  is  not  his  mother 
called  Mary  ? "  '  and  his  brethren  and  his  sisters,  are 
they  not  all  with  us  ? ' 

798.  Why  could  He  not  do  many  works  there  ? 
Because  of  their  unbelief.     He  laid  His  hands  upon 

a  few  sick  folk,  and  healed  them.     And  He  marvelled 
because  of  their  unbelief. 

•  799.   Christ  now  starts  on  His  third  preaching  tour 
through  Galilee,  and  when  He  saw  the  multitudes,  how 
did  He  feel? 

He  was  moved  with  compassion,  because  the  people 
seemed  like  scattered,  fainting  sheep,  having  no  shep- 
herd. 

800.  What  did  He  say  to  His  disciples  about  the 
people  ? 

"  The  harvest  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  laborers  are 
few.  Pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harvest,  that 
he  will  .send  forth  laborers  into  his  harvest. " 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  103 

801.  What  did  Jesus  now  resolve  to  do  9 

To  send  forth  His  disciples,  two  by  two,  on  a  mission. 
They  had  been  followers,  disciples,  scholars,  now  they 
were  to  become  Apostles  and  fellow-workers  with  Jesus, 
sent  abroad  doing  His  work. 

802.  What  power  did  He  give  them  ? 

To  cast  out  unclean  spirits,  to  heal  all  manner  of 
disease,  and  to  raise  the  dead. 

803.  What  did  He  command  them  to  take  on  their 
journey  9 

Nothing  but  a  staff  ;  no  bread,  no  money,  or  change 
of  raiment. 

804.  What  did  He  tell  them  to  do  when  they  were  not 
well  treated  in  a  city  ? 

They  were  to  leave  that  city  and  go  to  another. 

805.  Did  He  promise  them  honor  or  reward  in  this 
world  ? 

No  ;  but  He  told  them  they  would  suffer  persecution, 
trial,  and  death  for  His  sake  ;  for  He  would  suffer  the 
same,  and  the  disciple  must  be  as  his  Master. 

806.  What  did  He  say  to  them  ? 

11  Behold,  I  send  you  forth  as  sheep  in  the  midst  of 
wolves  :  be  ye  therefore  wise  as  serpents,  and  harmless 
as  doves." 

807.  What  consolation  did  He  give  them  f 

He  assured  them  they  were  in  the  hands  of  God, 
without  whose  knowledge  not  a  sparrow  falls  to  the 
ground  ;  adding,  "  Fear  y6  not  therefore,  ye  are  of 
more  value  than  many  sparrows." 

808.  What  promise  did  He  give  them  ? 

"  Whosoever  therefore  shall  confess  me  before  men, 
him  will  I  confess  also  before  my  Father  which  is  in 
heaven." 


104  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

809.  What  did  He  promise  to  those  who  should  lose 
their  life  ? 

"  He  that  findeth  his  life  shall  lose  it :  and  he  that 
loseth  his  life  for  my  sake  shall  find  it." 

810.  What  can  we  learn  from  this  verse  9 

That  to  live  for  selfish  enjoyment  is  not  the  highest 
or  best  life.  To  live  for  Christ,  and  for  others,  losing 
or  forgetting  self,  is  the  way  to  find  the  true  life. 

811.  While  the  Apostles  were  absent  on  their  mission, 
what  occurred  f 

The  birthday  of  Herod  Antipas  ;  and  the  event  was 
celebrated  by  a  great  feast,  given  by  Herod  to  his  lords 
and  captains. 

812.  Who  danced  at  the  feast? 

Salome,  the  daughter  of  Herodias,  wife  of  his  brother 
Philip,  whom  Herod  had  taken  for  himself. 

813.  What  did  Herod  promise  her  9 

He  was  so  pleased  with  her  grace,  that  he  promised 
with  an  oath  to  give  her  whatsoever  she  would  ask, 
even  to  the  half  of  his  kingdom. 

814.  What  did  Salome  do  ? 

She  went  out  and  consulted  with  her  mother,  who 
told  her  to  ask  for  the  head  of  John  the  Baptist. 

815.  Where  had  John  been  for  more  than  a  year  ? 
Imprisoned  in  the  fortress  of  Macherus,  on  the  Dead 

Sea. 

816.  What  can  you  say  of  the  Dead  Sea,  sometimes 
called  in  the  Scriptures  the  Salt  Sea,  or  the  Sea  of  the 
Plain  ? 

It  is  situated  in  the  southwestern  part  of  Palestine, 
sixteen  miles  directly  east  of  Jerusalem.  It  is  about 
forty-six  miles  long  and  ten  miles  broad  ;  its  surface  is 
thirteen  hundred  feet  below  the  level  of  the  Mediterra- 
nean Sea. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  105 

817.  What  can  you  say  of  the  water  of  this  remark- 
able sea  f 

It  is  so  salt  that  three  pounds  of  water  will  yield  one 
pound  of  solid  salt.  No  fish  can  live  in  it,  and  the 
human  body  cannot  sink  in  it.  It  has  no  outlet,  yet, 
although  the  Jordan  runs  into  it,  the  heat  of  that  region 
causes  such  rapid  evaporation  that  the  depth  of  its 
waters  does  not  increase.  It  covers  the  place  where 
the  cities  of  Sodom  and  Gomorrah  stood. 

818.  Herodias  had  never  ceased  to  hate  John  for  re- 
proving Herod  for  having  taken  her  from  Philip.     She 
was  waiting  a  chance  for  revenge.     What  did  Salome  do  ? 

She  hastened  to  Herod  and  said,  "  I  will  that  thou 
give  me  by  and  by  in  a  charger  the  head  of  John  the 
Baptist." 

819.  Hoiv  did  Herod  receive  this  request  f 

He  was  "  exceeding  sorry,"  for  he  respected  the 
brave  preacher,  whom  he  had  imprisoned  only  to  please 
Herodias. 

820.  He  had  given  his  royal  oath,  however,  and  it 
could  not  be  broken.     What  did  he  do  % 

He  sent  an  executioner  to  the  prison  and  had  John 
beheaded  ;  and  the  bleeding  head,  placed  on  a  charger, 
or  silver  dish,  was  given  to  Salome,  who  carried  it  to 
her  mother. 

821.  What  did  John's  disciples  do  when  they  heard  of 
his  death  f 

They  took  the  body  and  buried  it,  and  went  and  told 
Jesus. 

822.  When  Herod  A  ntipas  heard  of  the  fame  of  Jesus, 
and  His  wonderful  works,  what  did  his  guilty  conscience 
cause  him  to  fear  f 

That  Jesus  was  John  the  Baptist,  risen  from  the 
dead,  and  come  back  to  punish  him. 


106  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON   XXIII. 

ST.  MATT.  XIV.  13-36;  ST.  MARK  VI.  30-56;  ST.  LUKE  IX.  10-17; 
ST.  JOHN  VI.  1-21 

823.  The  twelve  Apostles  now  returned  from  their 
tour,  which  must  have  lasted  some  weeks.     They  also 
brought  to  Jesus  the  news  of  John's  death.      Whither  did 
Jesus  then  go  with  them,  and  why  f 

They  crossed  the  lake  to  the  lonely  hills  on  the  east- 
ern shore,  to  rest,  and  avoid  the  crowds  who  scarcely 
gave  them  time  to  eat. 

824.  Near  what  town  were  they  f 
Bethsaida-Julias.     There  were  two  Bethsaidas,   one 

on  the  western  and  one  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the  lake. 

825.  When  the  people  saw  that  Christ  was  departing, 
what  did  they  do  ? 

They  followed  Him,  going  around  the  shore  of  the 
lake  (it  was  about  six  miles  from  Capernaum  to  Beth- 
saida),  and  some  of  them  were  already  there,  waiting, 
when  the  little  boat  arrived. 

826.  How  was  our  Lord  affected,  when  He  saw  the 
multitudes  who  had  followed  Him  ? 

He  was  moved  with  pity,  and  gathered  them  around 
Him,  healing  their  sick,  and  teaching  them  many  things. 

827.  Hours  passed  away,  no  one  thinking  of  time  or 
place.  As  evening  drew  on,  what  did  the  disciples  say  to 

Christ? 

They  reminded  Him  that  it  was  late,  and  that  they 
were  in  a  desert  place.  And  they  begged  Him  to  dis- 
miss the  people,  that  they  might  go  to  the  neighbor- 
ing towns  for  food. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  107 

828.  W hat  was  Christ's  reply  ? 

"  They  need  not  depart ;  give  ye  them  to  eat." 

829.  What  did  Philip  say  f 

That  two  hundred  pennyworth  of  bread  would  not 
be  enough  to  give  each  one  even  a  little. 

830.  What  did  Christ  ask  ? 

"  How  many  loaves  have  ye  ?  go  and  see." 

831.  When  they  knew,  what  did  Andrew  say  to  Jesus  ? 
"  There  is  a  lad  here,  which  hath  five  barley-loaves, 

and  two  small  fishes  :  but  what  are  they  among   so 
many  ? " 

832.  What  order  did  Jesus  give  ? 

He  commanded  His  disciples  to  make  them  all  sit 
down,  "  by  fifties  in  a  company." 

833.  How  many  were  there  9 

Five  thousand  men,  besides  women  and  children. 

834.  What  did  our  Lord  then  do  ? 

"  He  took  the  five  loaves  and  the  two  fishes  ;  and 
looking  up  to  heaven,  he  blessed  them,  and  brake,  and 
gave  to  the  disciples  to  set  before  the  multitude." 

835.  What  was  the  result  ? 

The  disciples  handed  the  food  from  company  to 
company.  "And  they  did  all  eat,  and  were  filled." 

836.  Our  Lord,  who  had  refused,  in  the  wilderness,  to 
turn  stones  into  bread  to  satisfy  His  own  hunger,  did 
not  now  hesitate  by  a  miracle  to  appease  the  hunger  of 
this  multitude.     When  they  were  all  satisfied,  what  order 
did  He  give  His  disciples  ? 

"  Gather  up  the  fragments  that  remain,  that  nothing 
be  lost."  And  they  gathered  them  together  and  filled 
twelve  baskets. 

837.  What  was  the  effect  of  this  miracle  on  the  multi- 
tude? 


108  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

They  now  believed  that  this  must  be  the  Messiah. 
And  they  tried  to  take  Him  by  force  and  make  Him  a 
king. 

838.  Did  this  please  Jesus  ? 

No  ;  it  must  have  been  a  sad  disappointment,  that, 
after  all  His  teaching,  they  should  still  think  He  cared 
for  an  earthly  kingdom.  It  would  seem  that  they  had 
failed  to  understand  the  greater  kingdom — the  King- 
dom of  Heaven. 

839.  What  did  He  do  ? 

He  bade  His  disciples  get  into  the  boat  and  sail  back 
to  Bethsaida  (on  the  western  shore)  and  wait  for  Him 
there.  Then  He  sent  the  multitude  away,  and  went  up 
into  a  mountain  alone  to  pray. 

840.  What  happened  to  the  disciples  f 

It  was  a  stormy  night,  and  though  the  distance  to 
the  opposite  shore  was  only  six  miles,  they  made  little 
headway  with  their  oars,  as  the  wind  blew  strongly 
against  them. 

841.  What  progress  did  they  make? 

By  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  they  had  rowed  but 
four  of  the  six  miles.  And  they  were  almost  exhausted 
with  fatigue. 

842.  What  did  Jesus  do  ? 

He  knew  of  their  danger  and  their  fatigue,  and 
started  to  go  to  them,  walking  on  the  stormy  water. 

843.  When  the  disciples  saw  the  dim  figure  moving  on 
the  surface  of  the  lake,  ivhat  did  they  do  ? 

They  cried  out  with  fear,  supposing  it  to  be  a 
spirit. 

844.  How  did  our  Lord  dispel  their  fear  ? 

He  called  to  them,  saying,  "  Be  of  good  cheer  ;  it  is 
I  ;  be  not  afraid/' 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  109 

845.  In  the  fulness  of  his  joy  at  hearing  the  dear, 
familiar  voice,  what  did  Peter  say  9 

"Lord,  if  it  be  thou,  bid  me  come  unto  thee  on  the 
water." 

846.  What  did  Christ  say  to  him  f 

"  Come."  And  Peter  went  down  out  of  the  boat  and 
walked  on  the  water  to  go  to  Jesus. 

847.  What  happened  then  ? 

While  he  had  faith,  and  kept  his  thoughts  on  Jesus, 
he  walked  safely  on  the  water ;  but  when  he  thought 
of  the  roughness  of  the  waves,  he  was  afraid,  lost  faith, 
and  then  he  began  to  sink. 

848.  When  he  found  he  was  sinking,  what  did  he  cry  ? 
"  Lord,  save  me  !  "  and  Jesus  put  forth  His  hand  and 

caught  him,  saying,  "O  thou  of  little  faith,  wherefore 
didst  thou  doubt  ?  " 

849.  What  happened  then  ? 

They  entered  into  the  little  boat,  and  the  wind  ceased. 
And  the  disciples  fell  at  Christ's  feet,  saying,  "  Of  a 
truth  thou  art  the  Son  of  God."  And  the  storm  being 
over,  they  soon  reached  shore,  and  went  to  Capernaum. 


LESSON  XXIV. 

ST.  JOHN  VI.  22-71;   ST.  MATT.  XV.  1-20;  ST.  MARK  VII.  1-23 

850.  In  the  meantime,  the  multitude  of  people  whom 
Jesus  had  fed  the  evening  before,  and  who  had  seen  the 
disciples  depart,  leaving  Him  on  the  eastern  shore  of  the 
lake,  assembled  again  in  the  morning,  hoping  to  find 
Him.  What  success  did  they  have? 

They  were  surprised  that  He  was  nowhere  to  be 
found,  and  they  hastened  back  to  Capernaum. 


110  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

851.  Where  did  they  find  Him  there,  and  what  did 
they  ash  ? 

In  the  synagogue,  and  they  said  to  Him,  "  Rabbi, 
when  earnest  thou  hither  ?  " 

852.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  Rabbi"  ? 

"  Master."  It  was  a  title  of  dignity  among  the  Jews, 
given  to  doctors,  or  to  any  persons  of  importance. 

853.  In  answering  their  questions,  what  did  our  Lord 
show  them  ? 

That  He  knew  their  real  motive  for  following  Him. 
They  had  seen  His  wonderful  miracle  of  feeding  thou- 
sands, and  they  sought  Him,  hoping  selfishly  for  more 
earthly  benefits. 

854.  What  did  He  then  tell  them  ? 

Not  to  seek  so  anxiously  the  things  which  perish,  but 
rather  to  seek  the  things  which  endure  forever,  and 
which  He  could  give  them. 

855.  What  did  they  then  ask,  that  they  might  believe 
on  Him  ? 

They  asked  for  signs.  They  seemed  to  think  that 
the  miracle  of  feeding  the  five  thousand  was  small  in 
comparison  to  the  fact  that  Moses  had  fed  their  fore- 
fathers, who  numbered  a  hundred  times  as  many,  with 
manna  or  bread  for  forty  years  in  the  wilderness. 

856.  WJiat  did  they  mean  to  imply  ? 

That  Moses  was  therefore  greater  than  Christ. 

857.  How  did  our  Lord  answer  this  f 

He  denied  that  Moses  gave  the  manna.  He  told  them 
that  the  bread  of  God  is  that  which  His  Father  sends 
from  heaven,  and  which  gives  life  to  the  world,  and  is 
more  precious  than  any  manna. 

858.  What  did  the  people  then  say  ? 

They  asked  Him  to  give  them  this  wonderful  bread. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  111 

859.  How  did  our  Lord  reply  to  their  request  9 

He  said,  "I  am  the  bread  of  life  :  he  that  cometh  to 
me  shall  never  hunger  ;  and  he  that  believeth  on  me 
shall  never  thirst." 

860.  What  did  He  mean  ~by  these  words  9 

He  meant  that  while  manna  gave  life  to  the  body 
only  for  a  time,  He  would  give  life  to  the  soul  for- 
ever. 

861.  What  did  Christ  then  tell  them  9 

Again  He  told  them  that  He  had  come  down  from 
heaven  to  do  the  will  of  His  Father ;  that  every  one 
which  seeth  the  Son,  and  believeth  on  Him,  may  have 
everlasting  life. 

862.  What  did  the  Jews  say? 

Muttering  among  themselves,  they  said  contemptu- 
ously that  "  this  man  "  could  not  be  very  great,  for 
they  knew  His  father  and  mother.  How  then  could 
He  have  come  down  from  heaven  ? 

863.  Did  Christ  answer  their  objections  9 

No  ;  He  did  not  explain  to  them  how  He  came  down 
from  heaven,  but  He  went  on  to  tell  them  how  they 
might  get  to  heaven. 

864.  What  did  He  tell  them  ? 

That  whosoever  believed  on  Him  should  have  ever- 
lasting life  ;  for  this  reason  He  tried  to  make  them 
understand  that  He  was  the  Heavenly  Bread  which 
could  give  everlasting  life,  whereas  the  bread  their 
forefathers  had  eaten  in  the  wilderness  had  not  pre- 
vented them  from  dying. 

865.  What  did  Christ  say  further  about  this  Bread  ? 
He  told  them  this  Bread  was  His  flesh,  which  He 

would  give  for  the  life  of  the  world.     When  the  Jews 
heard  this,  their  excitement  increased,  and  they  said 


112  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

among  themselves,  "  How  can  this  man  give  us  his  flesh 
to  eat  ?  " 

866.  How  did  our  Lord  still  further  startle  them  9 
By  telling  them  that  they  must  not  only  eat  His  flesh, 

but  they  must  drink  His  blood  ;  this  was  an  amazing 
statement  to  the  Jews,  who  were  forbidden  to  taste  the 
blood  even  of  animals. 

867.  What  did  Christ  probably  have  in  mind  when 
He  uttered  these  words  9 

By  giving  His  flesh  He  referred  to  His  sacrifice  on  the 
Cross.  By  eating  His  flesh  and  drinking  His  blood,  He 
had  in  mind  the  Sacrament  of  the  Holy  Communion, 
which  He  would  institute  a  year  later. 

868.  What  did  some  of  the  disciples  say  when  they 
heard  this  discourse? 

"This  is  an  hard  saying  ;  who  can  hear  it?"  That  is, 
it  was  hard  for  them  to  accept.  The  idea  of  eating  flesh 
and  drinking  blood  was  particularly  hateful  to  them. 

869.  What  was  the  effect  of  the  discourse  f 

It  caused  a  decided  ci'isis  in  the  life  of  Christ.  It 
turned  the  popular  enthusiasm  into  deep  dislike  ;  and 
from  that  time  many  of  His  followers  turned  away  from 
Him  and  sought  Him  no  more. 

870.  When  our  Lord  saw  how  many  had  left  Him, 
what  did  He  say  to  the  twelve  9 

"  Will  ye  also  go  away  ?  " 

871.  Who  answered,  and  what  did  he  say  ? 

St.  Peter  answered,  "Lord,  to  whom  shall  we  go? 
thou  hast  the  words  of  eternal  life.  And  we  believe 
and  are  sure  that  thou  art  that  Christ,  the  Son  of  the 
living  God." 

872.  What  did  Jesus  say,  and  to  whom  did  He  refer  9 
"  Have  not  I  chosen  you  twelve,  and  one  of  you  is 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  113 

a  devil  ? "    He  referred  to  Judas  Iscariot,  who  should 
betray  Him. 

873.  Soon  after  this  some  Pharisees  and  scribes  from 
Jerusalem  came  to  Jesus.     Why  did  they  find  fault  with 
His  disciples  ? 

Because  they  ate  bread  with  unwashed  hands.  One 
of  the  strictest  of  the  customs  of  the  Jews  was  to  wash 
the  hands  before  eating. 

874.  What  did  Christ  say  in  reply  ? 

He  called  them  hypocrites,  who  honored  God  with 
their  lips,  but  their  hearts  were  far  from  Him. 

875.  The  idea  of  the  Jews  was,  that  if  they  ate  with 
unwashed  hands,  they  might  become  "  defiled"  by  taking 
into  the  mouth  something  "  unclean  "  which  they  might 
have  touched  unconsciously.     What  did  our  Lord  say 
in  regard  to  this  ? 

He  said  that  "  Not  that  which  goeth  into  the  mouth 
defileth  a  man  \  but  that  which  cometh  out  of  the 
mouth."  For  from  within,  out  of  the  heart  of  man, 
come  evil  thoughts,  which  are  the  things  which  defile. 

876.  How  were  the  Pharisees   affected  by  what  He 
said  ? 

They  were  offended. 

877.  Our  Lord,  saddened  by  the  hatred  and  opposi- 
tion, and  by  the  "unclean"  spirit  of  the  Pharisees, 
wandered  far  away  with  His  disciples,  through  the 
mountains,  to  the  borders  of  what  country  ? 

"  The  coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon  ; "  or  the  borders  of 
the  heathen  country  of  Phoenicia. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

LESSON  XXV. 

ST.  MATT.  XV.  21-39  ;  XVI.  1-4  ;  ST.  MARK  VII.  24-37  ;  VIII. 

1-13 

878.  What  was  the  object  of  our  Lord  in  retiring  to 
the  "  coasts  of  Tyre  and  Sidon  "  9 

To  find  solitude  and  rest.  He  "  entered  into  an  house, 
and  would  have  no  man  know  it  :  but  he  could  not  be 
hid." 

879.  W ho  sought  Him  there  ? 

A  "  Syrophenician  "  woman,  or  a  woman  from  Phoe- 
nicia, in  Syria,  crossed  from  her  country  into  Galilee, 
and  besought  Christ  to  heal  her  daughter,  who  "was 
vexed  with  a  devil." 

880.  At  first  Christ  did  not  answer  her.     On  this  ac- 
count what  did  the  disciples  say  to  our  Lord  ? 

"  Send  her  away  ;  for  she  crieth  after  us." 

881.  Did  they  mean  to  have  her  sent  away  unan- 
swered ? 

No  ;  possibly  they  wished  to  have  Christ  grant  her 
request  and  then  send  her  away. 

882.  What  did  Christ  then  say,  meaning  to  try  her 
faith  9 

"  I  am  not  sent  but  unto  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house 
of  Israel."  That  is,  His  benefits  were  for  the  Jews,  and 
she  was  a  heathen  or  Gentile. 

883.  What  did  the  woman  reply  ? 
"Lord,  help  me." 

884.  What   did  Jesus   then  say,  and  what  was  her 
reply  ? 

"  It  is  not  meet  to  take  the  children's  bread,  and  to 
cast  it  to  dogs."  To  which  the  woman  answered, 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  115 

"  Truth,  Lord  :  yet  the  dogs  eat  of  the  crumbs  which 
fall  from  their  masters'  table." 

885.  What  was  our  Lord's  answer  to  this  9 

"  O  woman,  great  is  thy  faith  :  be  it  unto  thee  even 
as  thou  wilt."  And  her  daughter  was  made  whole  from 
that  hour. 

886.  Whither  did  our  Lord  go  next  with,  His  disciples  9 
They  journeyed  eastward  along  the  border  line  of 

Phoenicia,  crossed  the  Jordan  above  the  Sea  of  Galilee, 
and  entered  the  country  called  Decapolis. 

887.  What  can  you  say  of  Decapolis  f 

It  was  the  country  lying  east  and  south  of  the  Sea  of 
Galilee,  on  both  sides  of  the  river  Jordan.  It  sur- 
rounded ten  cities  which  the  Romans  had  rebuilt.  It 
took  its  name  from  two  Greek  words  which  mean  "  ten 
cities."  The  inhabitants  were  not  Jews,  but  heathens  or 
Gentiles. 

888.  What  did  our  Lord  do  for  the  people  of  this  half- 
pagan  country  ? 

He  healed  many  who  were  lame,  dumb,  blind,  and 
maimed. 

889.  One  of  these  miracles  is  described  by  St.  Matthew 
and  St.  Marie.     What  was  it  ? 

There  was  brought  to  Him  a  man  who  was  deaf  and 
could  scarcely  speak,  and  they  besought  Him  to  put  His 
hand  upon  him. 

890.  What  did  our  Lord  do  ? 

He  took  him  apart  from  the  crowd,  put  His  fingers  in 
the  man's  ears,  and  spat  and  touched  his  tongue,  and 
looking  up  to  heaven,  He  sighed,  and  spake  one  word, 
(Ephphatha)  which  means  "Be  opened."  And  imme- 
diately the  man  was  healed. 

891.  The  people  of  this  far  country  were  unfamiliar 


116  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

with  the  miracles  of  Christ  until  this  time.     How  were 
they  impressed  by  them  ? 

They  were  filled  with  wonder  ;  "  and  they  glorified 
the  God  of  Israel." 

892.  Three  days  the  multitude  had  been  with  Christ, 
and  some  of  them  having  come  from  a  distance,  their 
food  was  exhausted.      What  did  our  Lord  say  to  His 
disciples  ? 

He  told  them  that  He  had  compassion  on  the  multi- 
tude, because  they  had  been  with  Him  three  days  and 
had  nothing  to  eat.  He  said  He  could  not  send  them 
to  their  houses  fasting,  for  they  would  faint  by  the  way. 

893.  How  did  the  disciples  answer  Him  ? 

"  Whence  should  we  have  so  much  bread  in  the  wil- 
derness, as  to  fill  so  great  a  multitude  ? "  for  they 
numbered  four  thousand,  besides  women  and  children. 

894.  What  did  Jesus  ask  them,  and  what  did  they 
reply  ? 

"  How  many  loaves  have  ye  ?  And  they  said,  Seven, 
and  a  few  little  fishes." 

895.  What  did  our  Lord  then  do  ? 

He  commanded  the  people  to  sit  down  on  the  ground. 
And  He  took  the  seven  loaves,  and  the  fishes,  and  gave 
thanks,  and  brake  them,  and  gave  to  His  disciples,  and 
the  disciples  to  the  multitude. 

896.  What  was  the  result  ? 

They  all  ate  and  were  filled  ;  and  they  took  up  seven 
baskets  of  fragments  which  remained. 

897.  This  was   the  second  time  our  Lord  fed  His 
people  in  the  wilderness.     How  did  it  differ  from  the 
first  time  ? 

In  this  case  the  number  fed  was  four  thousand,  and 
there  were  seven  loaves  and  a  few  fishes.  In  the  first 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  117 

case  the  number  was  five  thousand,  and  there  were  five 
loaves  and  two  fishes. 

898.  Where  did  the  feeding  of  the  Jive  thousand  take 
place  ? 

In  the  wilderness  east  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  near 
Bethsaida.  The  feeding  of  the  four  thousand  was  in 
Decapolis. 

899.  Our  Lord  and  His  disciples  left  Decapolis,  and, 
taking  a  boat,  sailed  across  the  Sea  of  Galilee.      Where 
did  they  land  ? 

At  Magdala,  on  the  western  shore. 

900.  Who  met  Him  there,  and  with  what  request  ? 
The  Pharisees  and  Sadducees.     They  desired  that  He 

would  show  them  a  sign  from  heaven. 

901.  The  people  were  constantly  asking  Jesus  for 
"signs  ;  "  what  could  they  have  meant  by  these  "  signs  "  ? 

Possibly  something  like  the  "  manna  "  brought  down 
by  Moses,  or  the  fire  to  consume  his  sacrifice  by  Elijah. 
These  signs  could  be  wrought  only  by  the  power  of 
God,  while  Christ's  miracles  of  healing,  they  thought, 
might  be  wrought  by  the  power  of  the  devil. 

902.  Did  Christ  ever  satisfy  this  demand  of  the  "sign- 
seekers  "  ? 

No  ;  He  would  not  work  signs  or  miracles,  merely  to 
prove  His  Messiahship  to  the  curious,  the  superstitious, 
or  the  unbelieving.  He  knew  they  would  not  be 
brought  to  faith  by  this  means,  but  would  only  demand 
more  signs. 

903.  What  does  St.  Mark  tell  us  He  said  of  these 
sign-seekers?     (Mark  viii.  12.) 

"  He  sighed  deeply  in  his  spirit,  and  saith,  Why  doth 
this  generation  seek  after  a  sign  ?  verily  I  say  unto 
you,  There  shall  no  sign  be  given  unto  this  generation." 


118  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  XXVI. 

ST.  MARK  VIII.  22-38  ;  IX.  1-13  ;  ST.  MATT.  XVI.  13-28;  XVII. 
1-13  ;  ST.  LUKE  IX.  18-36 

904.  Did  our  Lord  remain  long  at  Magdala  1 

No  ;  taking  His  Apostles,  He  entered  again  into  the 
boat  and  sailed  back  to  the  eastern  shore,  landing  at 
Bethsaida. 

905.  Who  was  brought  to  Him  there,  to  be  healed  ? 
A  blind  man. 

906.  What  did  our  Lord  do  ? 

He  took  the  man  by  the  hand,  and  led  him  outside 
the  town,  and  when  He  had  anointed  his  eyes  with  the 
moisture  from  His  own  mouth,  and  had  laid  His  hands 
upon  him,  He  asked  him  if  he  saw  anything. 

907.  What  did  the  man  reply  9 

Looking  up  he  said,  "I  see  men  as  trees,  walking/' 
which  showed  that  he  could  see,  but  indistinctly. 

908.  What  did  Jesus  then  do  ? 

He  touched  the  man's  eyes  again,  and  when  he  looked 
up  "he  could  see  clearly.  And  Jesus  sent  him  home, 
charging  him  not  to  go  to  the  city,  or  to  tell  any  one 
there. 

909.  Whither  did  our  Lord  next  go  with  His  disci- 
ples ? 

To  Caesarea  Philippi. 

910.  Where  was  CcBsarea  Philippi  ? 

It  was  twenty  miles  north  of  the  Sea  of  Galilee,  at 
the  source  of  the  river  Jordan,  and  near  the  foot  of 
Mount  Hermon.  It  was  the  northern  limit  of  our  Lord's 
journeyings. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  119 

911.  The  crowds  did  not  follow  Christ  to  this  northern 
country.     Only  His  Apostles  were  with  Him  as  He  stood 
apart  in  solitary  prayer.      When  He  had  finished,  He 
called  them,  and  as  they  continued  their  journey,  wliat 
did  He  ask  them  f 

"  Whom  do  men  say  that  I  am  "  ? 

912.  What  was  their  sad  answer  ? 

They  were  obliged  to  admit  that  the  Messiah  had  not 
been  acknowledged  by  the  people  generally.  Some 
said  that  He  was  John  the  Baptist,  some  Elijah,  and 
others  Jeremiah,  or  one  of  the  old  prophets,  risen 
again. 

913.  What  did  Jesus  then  ask  them  ? 
"  But  whom  say  ye  that  I  am  ?  " 

914.  Wliich  of  the  twelve  answered,  and  what  were 
his  words  ? 

"  Simon  Peter  answered  and  said,  Thou  art  the  Christ, 
the  Son  of  the  living  God." 

915.  With  his  usual  energy  and  decision,  the  warm- 
hearted, impulsive  Peter  was  the  one  to  make  this  ever- 
memorable  answer.     What  did  our  Lord  say  to  him  ? 

"Blessed  art  thou,  Simon  Bar-jonah  :  for  flesh  and 
blood  hath  not  revealed  it  unto  thee,  but  my  Father 
which  is  in  heaven." 

916.  What  did  He  mean  by  this? 

That  Peter  had  not  learned  this  from  any  human 
source,  but  by  the  Spirit  of  God. 

917.  What  else  did  our  Lord  say  to  Peter  ? 

"  Thou  art  Peter,  and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my 
church." 

918.  What  did  He  mean  by  this? 

Christ  had  called  Peter  "a  rock"  when  He  first  met 
him  ;  He  meant  that  now  Peter  was  worthy  of  that 


120  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

name,  because  he  had  planted  his  faith  on  the  rock  of 
eternal  truth. 

919.  What  did  He  mean  by  building  His  church  on 
that  rock? 

He  spoke  for  the  first  time  of  His  church  which  was 
to  be  ;  the  members  of  which  must  adopt  Peter's  con- 
fession as  their  own. 

920.  The  heart  of  our  Lord  must  have  been  made  glad 
that  His  Apostles,  at  least,  believed  Him  to  be  the  Son  of 
the  living  God.    Now  that  He  was  assured  of  their  faith, 
for  what  did  He  begin  to  prepare  them  ? 

For  His  death  ;  not  until  now,  nearly  the  end  of  His 
ministry,  did  Christ  speak  in  plain  terms  of  His  ap- 
proaching death.  He  had  alluded  to  it,  but  He  had 
not  been  understood. 

921.  What  did  He  tell  them  9 

That  He  must  go  to  Jerusalem,  and  suffer  many 
things  of  the  elders  and  chief  pi'iests  and  scribes,  and 
that  He  should  be  killed,  and  that  on  the  third  day  He 
would  rise  again. 

922.  What  did  St.  Peter  say  to  this  t 

He  "  began  to  rebuke  him,  saying,  Be  it  far  from 
thee,  Lord  :  this  shall  not  be  unto  thee." 

923.  What  was   probably    Peter's  motive    in   thus 
addressing  our  Lord? 

He  thought  his  dear  Master  was  far  too  good  to  suffer 
thus  cruelly,  and  he  spoke  in  grieved  surprise. 

924.  How  did  Christ  answer  Him  ? 

"  Get  thee  behind  me,  Satan  ;  for  thou  savourest  not 
the  things  that  be  of  God,  but  the  things  that  be  of  men." 

925.  Did  He  mean  to  call  Peter  Satan  f 

No  ;  He  was  addressing  the  evil  one,  making  use  of 
Peter  in  the  temptation. 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  121 

926.  What  did  our  Lord  say  that  His  disciples  must 
do  if  they  would  follow  after  Him? 

"  Whosoever  will  come  after  me,  let  him  deny  him- 
self, and  take  up  his  cross  and  follow  me." 

927.  About  a  week  after  this,  Jesus  took  three  of  His 
Apostles  and  led  them  up  into  a  high  mountain  apart. 
Mention  the  names  of  these  three. 

Peter,  James,  and  John. 

928.  What  mountain  was  if  ? 

It  was  probably  Mount  Hermon,  a  very  high  moun- 
tain with  a  number  of  peaks,  at  the  northern  boun- 
dary of  Palestine,  in  the  neighborhood  of  Caesarea 
Philippi. 

929.  What  was    Christ's  object   in    ascending    this 
mountain  ? 

It  was  evening,  and  Jesus  went  up  in  the  mountain 
to  pray. 

930.  While  our  Lord  stood  in  prayer,  what  did  the 
Apostles  do  ? 

Overcome  with  weariness,  they  fell  asleep. 

931.  As  our  Lord  was  praying,  what  change  occurred 
in  His  appearance  ? 

He  was  transfigured. 

932.  Describe  the  Transfiguration. 

His  face  shone  like  the  sun  ;  and  His  raiment  became 
glistening  white  like  snow. 

933.  Who  appeared,  talking  to  Jesus,  and  of  what  did 
they  speak  f 

Moses  and  Elijah  ;  and  they  spoke  to  Jesus  of  His 
approaching  death  at  Jerusalem. 

934.  When  the  three  Apostles  awoke,  roused  from  their 
sleep  by  the  strangely  brilliant  light  around  them,  how 
were  they  affected  by  the  wonderful  scene  9 


122  A   LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

They  were  bewildered  by  the  glory  of  Christ's  radi- 
ance, which,  as  it  was  night,  must  have  been  dazzling. 
They  were  also  astonished  to  see  Moses  and  Elijah  with 
Christ,  and  to  hear  their  talk. 

935.  What  did  Peter  say  to  our  Lord  in  his  fear  and 
bewilderment^ 

"  Master,  it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here  :  and  let  us  make 
three  tabernacles  ;  one  for  thee,  and  one  for  Moses,  and 
one  for  Elias  : "  not  knowing  what  he  said. 

936.  What  did  Peter  mean  by  tabernacles  ? 
Tents  made  of  boughs. 

937.  While  he  was  speaking,  what  came  and  over- 
shadowed them  ? 

A  bright  cloud.  "  And  there  came  a  voice  out  of  the 
cloud,  saying,  This  is  my  beloved  Son  :  hear  him."  It 
was  the  approving  voice  of  the  Heavenly  Father  bear- 
ing testimony  to  His  beloved  Son. 

938.  When  the  disciples  heard  it  what  did  they  do  ? 
They  fell  on  their  faces,  for  they  were  sore  afraid. 

939.  What  did  our  Lord  do  to  comfort  them  9 

"  Jesus  came  and  touched  them,  and  said,  Arise,  and 
be  not  afraid.  And  when  they  had  lifted  up  their  eyes, 
they  saw  no  man,  save  Jesus  only." 

940.  As  they  came  down  the  mountain,  what  did  Jesus 
charge  His  disciples  ? 

"  Tell  the  vision  to  no  man,  until  the  Son  of  man  be 
risen  again  from  the  dead/' 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  123 

LESSON  XXVII. 

ST.   MATT.  XVII.  14-27  ;  XVIII.  1-20  ;  ST.  MARK  IX.  14-50  ; 
ST.  LUKE  IX.  37-50 

941.  Christ  and  the  three  Apostles  had  spent  the  whole 
of  this  memorable  night  of  the  Transfiguration  on  the 
mountain.    When  they  rejoined  the  other  Apostles  in  the 
morning,  how  did  they  find  them  ? 

Surrounded  by  a  great  crowd,  amongst  which  were 
some  of  the  scribes,  who  were  taunting  the  disciples 
because  they  had  not  been  able  to  cast  out  an  evil  spirit 
from  a  boy. 

942.  When  the  people  saw  Jesus,  ivhat  did  they  do  ? 
They  "  were  greatly  amazed,  and  running  to   him, 

saluted  him."     Some  think  His  face  still  retained  traces 
of  its  glorious  Transfiguration. 

943.  When  Christ  demanded  what  it  was  they  ques- 
tioned with  His  disciples,  who  replied,  and  what  did  he 
say  9 

The  father  of  the  boy  fell  at  Jesus'  feet  and  told  Him 
that  he  had  brought  his  only  child,  who  was  subject  to 
epileptic  fits,  to  be  healed,  and  the  disciples  could  not 
cure  him. 

944.  What  did  our  Lord  say  ? 

"  O  faithless  generation  !  how  long  shall  I  be  with  you  ? 
how  long  shall  I  suffer  you  ?  Bring  him  unto  me." 

945.  What  was  then  done  9 

The  boy  was  brought ;  as  soon  as  he  saw  Jesus,  he 
fell  to  the  ground  in  a  terrible  spasm,  foaming  at  the 
mouth. 

946.  What  did  our  Lord  ask  of  the  father  of  the  boy  f 
How  long  he  had  been  affected  in  this  way. 


124  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

947.  What  did  the  father  reply  9 

"  Of  a  child.  And  ofttimes  it  hath  cast  him  into 
the  fire,  and  into  the  waters,  to  destroy  him  :  but  if 
thou  canst  do  any  thing,  have  compassion  on  us,  and 
help  us." 

948.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  9 

"  If  thou  canst  believe,  all  things  are  possible  to  him 
that  believeth."  Our  Lord  wished  to  imply  that  the 
doubt  was  not  as  to  His  power  to  heal,  but  as  to  the  man's 
power  to  believe. 

949.  Chrisfs  words  seemed  to  kindle  a  spark  of  faith 
in  the  man's  soul.      What  did  he  say  9 

He  "  cried  out,  and  said  with  tears,  Lord,  I  believe  ; 
help  thou  mine  unbelief."  Only  when  he  began  to 
believe  could  he  see  how  great  was  his  unbelief. 

950.  Meanwhile  the  crowd  had  increased,  and  when 
Jesus  saw  the  people,  what  did  He  say  9 

He  turned  toward  the  boy,  who  was  still  writhing  on 
the  ground,  and  said,  "  Thou  dumb  and  deaf  spirit,  I 
charge  thee,  come  out  of  him,  and  enter  no  more  into 
him." 

951.  What  followed  His  words  9 

A  wild  cry,  a  more  fearful  convulsion,  and  then  the 
boy  lay  quite  still  on  the  ground,  as  if  he  were  dead. 
Many  said,  "  He  is  dead." 

952.  What  did  the  Saviour  then  do  ? 

He  took  him  by  the  hand,  lifted  him  up,  and  gave 
him  to  his  father,  quite  cured. 

953.  How  were  the  people  affected  by  this  miracle  ? 

"  They  were  all  amazed  at  the  mighty  power  of  God/' 

954.  When  they  were  come  into  the  house,  what  did 
the  disciples  ask  of  Jesus  9 

"Why  could  not  we  cast  him  out?" 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  125 

955.  What  did  our  Lord  reply  ? 

"  Because  of  your  unbelief."  As  the  secret  of  weak- 
ness is  unbelief,  so  the  secret  of  strength  is  faith. 

956.  What  did  our  Lord  say  which  teaches  this  ? 

"  If  ye  have  faith  as  a  grain  of  mustard  seed,  ye  shall 
say  unto  this  mountain,  Remove  hence  to  yonder  place, 
and  it  shall  remove  ;  and  nothing  shall  be  impossible 
unto  you." 

957.  Our  Lord's  journeys  in  the  northern  part  of 
Palestine  were  now  ended.     As  He  was  returning  to 
Capernaum   with   His  disciples,   what  did  He  say  to 
them  ? 

"  The  Son  of  man  shall  be  betrayed  into  the  hands 
of  men  ;  and  they  shall  kill  him,  and  the  third  day 
he  shall  be  raised  again.  And  they  were  exceeding 
sorry." 

958.  When   they  reached  Capernaum,   who   came   to 
Peter,  and  with  what  question  f 

"  They  that  receive  tribute  money  came  to  Peter, 
and  said,  Doth  not  your  master  pay  tribute  ?  " 

959.  These  were  not  publicans,  who  gathered  the  taxes 
for  the  Roman  treasury,  but  were  collectors  of  the  tribute- 
money  for  the  Temple  expenses.     What  was  this  Temple 
"tribute-money"  ? 

A  half-shekel  (about  twenty-five  cents),  which  was  re- 
quired yearly  of  every  Jew  above  twenty  years  of  age, 
for  the  support  of  the  Temple. 

960.  What  did  Peter  reply,  when  asked  whether  his 
Master  paid  this  tribute-money? 

He  replied,  "Yes,"  without  thinking  whence  the 
money  was  coming. 

961.  When  they  entered  the  house,  what  did  Jesus  ask 
Peter,  and  what  was  his  reply  ? 


126  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

Whether  earthly  kings  took  tribute-money  of  their 
own  sons,  or  of  strangers  ?  and  Peter  said,  "  Of 
strangers/' 

962.  What  did  our  Lord  then  say  9 

"  Then  are  the  children  free."  By  this  He  meant 
that  He,  being  God's  Son,  should  no  more  contribute 
towards  the  expenses  of  His  Father's  house  than  should 
the  son  of  an  earthly  king  pay  custom  to  his  father. 

963.  What  did  Jesus  command  Peter  to  do  ? 

To  go  down  to  the  lake,  cast  in  a  hook,  and  take  up 
the  first  fish  he  should  catch,  and  in  its  mouth  he  would 
find  a  coin  ;  this  He  told  Peter  to  give  for  them  both, 
"  lest  we  should  offend  them." 

964.  What  was  this  coin  9 

A  stater,  equal  to  a  shekel,  which  was  the  exact 
amount  required  for  tribute-money  for  two. 

965.  What  dispute  had  arisen  among  the  Apostles 
about  this  time  9 

"  They  had  disputed  among  themselves,  who  should 
be  the  greatest." 

966.  In  spite  of  Christ's  having  told  them  over  and 
over  again,  with  more  and  more  clearness,  of  His  ap- 
proaching sufferings  at  Jerusalem,  what  did  they  still 
seem  to  think  ? 

That  the  story  was  one  of  Christ's  parables,  which 
they  could  not  understand  ;  that  He  would  leave  His 
lowly  life,  set  up  His  kingdom  -in  Judea,  taking  His 
place  on  the  throne  of  David  His  forefather  ;  and  they 
began  to  dispute  who  should  have  the  first  place  in  that 
kingdom. 

967.  What  did  Jesus  do  when  He  Tcnew  the  reason  of 
their  dispute  f 

"  He  sat  down  and  called  the  twelve,  and  saith  unto 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  127 

them,  If  any  man  desire  to  be  first,  the  same  shall  be 
last  of  all,  and  servant  of  all." 

968.  When  our  Lord  had  called  unto  Him  a  little 
child  and  set  him  in  the  midst  of  them,  what  did  He  say 
to  the  twelve  ? 

"  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Except  ye  be  converted,  and 
become  as  little  children,  ye  shall  not  enter  into  the 
kingdom  of  heaven.  Whosoever  therefore  shall  humble 
himself  as  this  little  child,  the  same  is  greatest  in  the 
kingdom  of  heaven." 

969.  In  these  words  what  did  Christ  teach  9 
Humility.     He  wished  His  followers  to  have  the  true 

child-nature  ;  without  pretension,  pride  of  rank,  or 
worldly  ambition  ;  but  rather  to  be  simple,  trustful, 
loving,  and  docile. 

970.  What  did  John  tell  Jesus  ? 

That  they  had  seen  one  casting  out  devils  in  His 
name,  and  they  had  forbade  him,  because  he  followed 
not  with  them. 

971.  What  did  Christ  reply? 

"  Forbid  him  not ;  for  he  that  is  not  against  us  is 
for  us." 

LESSON  XXVIII. 

ST.  MATT.  XVIII.  21-35  ;  ST.  JOHN  VII.  2-53 

972.  What  question  did  Peter  ask  our  Lord? 

"  Lord,  how  oft  shall  my  brother  sin  against  me,  and 
I  forgive  him  ?  till  seven  times  ?  " 

973.  What  did  Christ  reply  ? 

"  I  say  not  unto  thee,  Until  seven  times  :  but,  Until 
seventy  times  seven."  Thus  teaching  that  we  should 
be  ever  ready  to  forgive. 


128  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

974.  By  what  parable  did  our  Lord  illustrate  His 
meaning  ? 

That  of  the  "  Unmerciful  Servant." 

975.  What  is  this  parable  9 

A  servant,  after  having  been  forgiven  by  his  king  a 
debt  of  ten  thousand  talents,  immediately  seized  a  fel- 
low-servant by  the  throat,  because  he  owed  him  one 
hundred  pence,  and  had  him  cast  into  prison. 

976.  When  the  Icing  heard  of  this,  what  did  he  say  f 
"  O  thou  wicked  servant,  I  forgave  thee  all  that  debt, 

because  thou  desiredst  me  :  shouldest  not  thou  also  have 
had  compassion  on  thy  fellow-servant,  even  as  I  had 
pity  on  thee  ?  " 

977.  What  did  he  then  do  with  the  servant? 

He  delivered  him  to  the  tormentors,  till  he  should 
pay  all  that  was  due  unto  him. 

978.  It  was  the  fall  of  the  year.     What  feast  of  the 
Jews  was  celebrated  at  Jerusalem  early  in  October  9 

The  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 

979.  What  did  this  feast  commemorate  ? 

The  dwelling  in  tents  by  the  Israelites  during  their 
wanderings  in  the  wilderness  for  forty  years  ;  it  was 
also  a  harvest  thanksgiving. 

980.  How  long  did  the  feast  continue,  and  how  did 
the  people  celebrate  it  ? 

Eight  days.  The  people  left  their  houses  and  lived 
in  tents  or  booths,  made  of  branches  of  citron,  myrtle, 
palm,  and  willow,  on  the  roofs,  in  the  courtyards, 
streets,  squares,  gardens,  and  along  the  roads  near 
Jerusalem. 

981.  How  was  the  first  day  kept  by  the  Jews  f 
Holding   in   the    right    hand,    tied    together,    three 

branches  of  myrtle,  two  of  willow,  and  one  of  palm, 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  129 

and  in  the  left  a  citron  with  its  fruit,  they  brought 
them  together,  waving  them  toward  the  four  quarters 
of  the  earth,  at  the  same  time  singing. 

982.  What  did  Christ's  brethren  ask  Him  to  do  as  the 
time  for  this  feast  approached? 

To  go  to  Jerusalem,  the  capital  of  their  world,  and 
show  Himself  and  His  work  to  the  crowds  there,  and 
not  confine  Himself  so  long  to  the  remote  districts  of 
Galilee. 

983.  Did  Christ's  brethren  believe  in  Him  ? 

No;  they  urged  His  going  to  the  feast  as  a  chal- 
lenge. If  He  were  really  the  Messiah,  let  Him  come 
forward  at  one  of  the  great  Jewish  feasts  in  the  Tem- 
ple, and  before  the  world  prove  His  Messiahship. 

984.  What  was  Christ's  reply  ? 

He  told  them  that  His  time  to  manifest  Himself  had 
not  yet  come  ;  He  then  sent  them  to  attend  the  feast 
without  Him. 

985.  After  they  had  gone,  what  did  our  Lord  do  ? 

^  He  also  went  to  the  feast,  "  not  openly,  but  as  it 
were  in  secret ;"  to  avoid  attracting  attention. 

986.  Meanwhile  the  excitement  at  Jerusalem  respecting 
the  Saviour  was  great.     Some  believed  Him  to  be  a  good 
man,  and  others  an  impostor.     The  Jews  sought  Him, 
saying,  "  Where  is  he  ?"    About  the  middle  of  the  feast, 
the  fourth  day,  what  did  our  Lord  do? 

He  appeared  in  the  courts  of  the  Temple,  and  preached 
there  to  the  multitudes. 

987.  What  effect  was  produced  by  His  teaching  ? 
The  people  wondered  at  His  wisdom,  saying,  "  How 

knoweth  this  man  letters,  having  never  learned  ?  " 

988.  What  did  they  mean  ? 

He  had  never  attended  the  schools  of  the  greatest 
9 


130  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

rabbis,  or  teachers,  and  they  were  astonished  at  His 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures. 

989.  How  did  Christ  answer  them  9 

"  My  doctrine  is  not  mine,  but  his  that  sent  me." 
He  told  them  if  they  would  truly  and  earnestly  try  to 
do  God's  will  they  would  know  that  His  doctrine  was 
of  God. 

990.  What  did  some  of  the  people  say  ? 

"  Is  not  this  he  whom  they  seek  to  kill  ?  But,  lo,  he 
speaketh  boldly,  and  they  say  nothing  unto  him.  Do 
the  rulers  know  indeed  that  this  is  the  very  Christ  ?  " 
That  is,  are  they  at  last  convinced  of  it  ? 

991.  How  was  the  eighth  and  last  day  of  the  Feast  of 
Tabernacles  celebrated  ? 

A  procession  formed  in  the  valley  by  the  Pool  of 
Siloam  ;  from  its  waters  the  priests  filled  a  large  golden 
pitcher.  Bearing  it  aloft,  they  climbed  the  steep  ascent 
of  Moriah,  entered  the  Temple,  and  after  mingling  the 
water  with  wine,  they  poured  it  on  the  great  altar,  amid 
the  rejoicing  of  the  people. 

992.  While  this  ceremony  was  in  progress,  what  allu- 
sion to  it  did  our  Lord  make  ? 

He  stood  up  and  cried,  saying,  "  If  any  man  thirst, 
let  him  come  unto  me,  and  drink." 

993.  How  were,  the  people  divided  in  their  opinion  of 
Him? 

Some  thought  He  was  the  prophet,  the  forerunner  of 
Christ ;  some,  that  He  was  Christ  Himself. 

994.  What  was  objected  to  this  9 

Some  said,  "  Shall  Christ  come  out  of  Galilee  ?  Hath 
not  the  scripture  said,  That  Christ  cometh  of  the  seed 
of  David,  and  out  of  the  town  of  Bethlehem,  where 
David  was  ?  " 


A    LITE    OF   CHRIST   FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  131 

995.  What  did  the  Sanhedrin  do  9 

They  sent  officers  with  orders  to  arrest  Christ ;  but 
after  listening  to  the  teaching  of  our  Lord,  they  returned 
to  the  priests  and  Pharisees,  without  having  laid  hands 
on  Him. 

996.  What  did  the  Sanhedrin  ask  the  officers,  and 
what  was  their  reply  9 

"  Why  have  ye  not  brought  him  ?  The  officers  an- 
swered, Never  man  spake  like  this  man/' 

997.  What  did  the  Pharisees  then  say  ? 

"  Are  ye  also  deceived  ?  Have  any  of  the  rulers  or 
of  the  Pharisees  believed  on  him  ?  " 

998.  What  else  did  they  add? 

That  none  were  deceived  by  Him  but  the  rabble,  the 
common  people,  who  knew  nothing  of  the  Scriptures. 

999.  What  decree  had  the  Sanhedrin  passed  9 

That  if  any  man  avowed  Jesus  to  be  the  Messiah  he 
should  be  "  put  out  of  the  synagogue/'  that  is,  excluded 
from  public  worship,  and  cut  off  from  social  intercourse. 

1000.  Who  pleaded  for  Jesus  before  the  Sanhedrin  9 
Nicodemus,  the  same  who  came  to  Jesus  by  night. 

He  was  a  member  of  the  Sanhedrin. 

1001.  What  did  he  say? 

"  Doth  our  law  judge  any  man,  before  it  hear  him, 
and  know  what  he  doeth  ?  " 

1002.  What  did  the  scribes  and  Pharisees  reply  9 

"  Art  thou  also  of  Galilee  ?  Search,  and  look  :  for 
out  of  Galilee  ariseth  no  prophet." 

1003.  What  occurred  next  9 

The  meeting  broke  up  in  disorder,  and  every  man 
went  to  his  own  home. 


132  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

LESSON  XXIX. 

ST.  JOHN  VIII.  12-59  ;  IX.  1-38 

1004.  How  was  the  Temple  lighted  during  the  Feast 
of  Tabernacles  ? 

In  the  Court  of  the  Women  there  were  four  great 
golden  candelabra,  each  with  four  golden  bowls,  which 
were  filled  with  oil.  The  old  girdles  of  the  priests 
served  for  wicks  to  these  lamps,  which,  when  lighted  at 
the  close  of  the  first  day  of  the  feast,  brilliantly  illumi- 
nated the  whole  city  of  Jerusalem.  This  was  done  in 
commemoration  of  the  pillar  of  fire  which  guided  the 
Israelites  by  night  in  the  desert. 

1005.  Using  this  as  an  illustration,  what  did  Jesus 
say  of  Himself  ? 

"  I  am  the  light  of  the  world  :  he  that  followeth  me 
shall  not  walk  in  darkness,  but  shall  have  the  light  of 
life." 

1006.  How  did  our  Lord  say  He  differed  from  the 
Pharisees  ? 

"  Ye  are  from  beneath  ;  I  am  from  above  :  ye  are  of 
this  world  ;  I  am  not  of  this  world." 

1007.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  those  Jews  who  believed 
on  Him  ? 

"  If  ye  continue  in  my  word,  then  are  ye  my  disciples 
indeed  ;  and  ye  shall  know  the  truth,  and  the  truth 
shall  make  you  free." 

1008.  What  did  the  Jews  say  to  this  9 

They  wanted  to  know  how  they  could  be  made  free, 
when  they  were  Abraham's  seed,  and  had  never  been 
in  bondage  to  any  man. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  133 

1009.  Wliat  did  Christ  reply  9 

"Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  com- 
mitteth  sin  is  the  servant  of  sin."  Thus  teaching  that 
they  were  in  bondage  to  their  sins. 

1010.  What  did  Christ  promise  to  those  who  Tceep  His 
sayings ? 

"Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  If  a  man  keep  my 
saying,  he  shall  never  see  death." 

1011.  How  did  the  Jews  answer,  thinking  that  He 
referred  to  the  death  of  the  body  ? 

They  said  He  must  surely  be  mad.  For  Abraham 
and  all  the  prophets  were  dead.  "Art  thou  greater 
than  our  father  Abraham,  which  is  dead  ?  "  they  asked. 

1012.  What  did  Christ  reply  ? 

"  Your  father  Abraham  rejoiced  to  see  my  day  :  and 
he  saw  it,  and  was  glad." 
.  1013.    What  was  His  meaning  9 

That  Abraham,  while  on  earth,  rejoiced  in  faith  and 
hope  in  the  promised  Christ,  and  that  in  heaven  he  was 
glad  to  see  the  fulfilment  of  his  hope,  and  rejoiced  and 
believed  in  Him  whom  his  children  scorned  and  re- 
jected. 

1014.  How  did  the  Jews  reply  ? 

"  Thou  art  not  yet  fifty  years  old,  and  hast  thou  seen 
Abraham  ?  " 

1015.  What  did  Christ  then  solemnly  declare  ? 

"  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  Before  Abraham  was, 
I  am."  He  thus  asserted  His  eternal  being,  His  one- 
ness with  God. 

1016.  How  did  the  Jews  show  their  rage  at  ivhat  they 
considered  His  blasphemous  words  t 

They  took  up  stones  to  cast  at  Him ;  but  Jesus  hid 
Himself,  possibly  by  becoming  invisible,  and  escaped. 


134  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1017.  As  Jesus  passed  out  of  the  Temple,  whom  did 
He  meet  ? 

A  poor  beggar,  who  had  been  born  blind. 

1018.  What  question  did  the  disciples  ask  of  our 
Lord  9 

"  Master,  who  did  sin,  this  man,  or  his  parents,  that 
he  was  born  blind  ?  " 

1019.  The  disciples  seemed  to  share  the  belief  of  the 
Jews  in  regard  to  suffering  ;  what  was  that  belief? 

That  suffering  was  always  a  punishment  for  some  sin. 
In  this  case,  however,  they  were  puzzled.  It  could  not 
have  been  for  his  own  sins  that  the  man  was  born  blind. 
Possibly  it  was  on  account  of  the  sins  of  his  parents. 

1020.  What  did  Christ  reply  to  their  question  9 

"  Neither  hath  this  man  sinned,  nor  his  parents  :  but 
that  the  works  of  God  should  be  made  manifest  in 
him." 

1021.  What  did  He  mean  9 

That  not  only  had  the  man  been  born  blind,  in  order 
to  show  God's  power  in  healing  him  ;  but  that  by  the 
healing  the  man  should  believe,  and  his  soul  be  brought 
to  everlasting  light. 

1022.  What  did  Christ  do  9 

"  He  spat  on  the  ground,  and  made  clay  of  the  spittle, 
and  he  anointed  the  eyes  of  the  blind  man  with  the 
clay." 

1023.  What  did  he  then  direct  the  man  to  do  9 
To  go  wash  in  the  Pool  of  Siloam. 

1024.  Where  was  the  Pool  of  Siloam  9 

Outside  the  walls  of  Jerusalem,  on  the  southeast. 
The  water  came  from  a  rock,  and  formed  a  pool  or 
reservoir  fifty-three  feet  long,  eighteen  broad,  and  nine- 
teen deep.  The  ruins  remain  to  this  day. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  135 

1025.  What  did  the  man  do  9 

He  did  as  he  was  bid,  and  returned  seeing.  This  is 
the  first  and  only  recorded  cure  of  one  born  blind. 

1026.  When  the  neighbors  and  those  who  knew  him  as 
the  blind  beggar,  saw  him  with  his  eyes  opened,  they 
doubted  if  it  could  be  he.     What  did  they  say  9 

"  Is  not  this  he  that  sat  and  begged  ?  "  Some  thought 
it  was  he,  others  that  it  looked  very  like  him  ;  but  the 
beggar  spoke  and  said,  "  I  am  he." 

1027.  When  asked  how  he  received  his  sight,  what 
did  he  reply  9 

"  A  man  that  is  called  Jesus  made  clay,  and  anointed 
mine  eyes,  and  said  unto  me,  Go  to  the  pool  of  Siloam 
and  wash  :  and  I  went  and  washed,  and  I  received 
sight." 

1028.  What  else  did  they  ask  9 

"Where  is  he  ?"  and  the  man  said,  "  I  know  not." 

1029.  When  they  heard  this  marvellous  story,  what 
did  they  do  9 

They  took  the  man  to  the  Sanhedrin  to  have  his  case 
investigated. 

1030.  When  the  Pharisees  had  heard  the  facts,  what 
did  they  say  9 

Some  said  that  Jesus  was  not  of  God,  because  He  had 
healed  the  man  on  the  Sabbath  ;  others  said,  How  can 
a  man  that  is  a  sinner  do  such  miracles  ?  And  there  was 
a  division  among  them. 

1031.  They  then  asked  the  man  what  he  thought  of 
Jesus.      What  was  his  reply  9 

"He  is  a  prophet." 

1032.  The  Pharisees  could  not  believe  that  the  man 
who  could  now  see  perfectly,  had  been  born  blind.     What 
did  they  do  9 


136  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

They  sent  for  his  parents  and  said  to  them,  "  Is  this 
your  son,  who  ye  say  was  born  blind  ?  how  then  doth 
he  now  see  ?  " 

1033.  What  was  the  parents'  answer  9 

"  We  know  that  this  is  our  son,  and  that  he  was  born 
blind  :  but  by  what  means  he  now  seeth,  we  know  not ; 
he  is  of  age  ;  ask  him  :  he  shall  speak  for  himself." 

1034.  Why  did  they  give  this  answer  9 

For  fear  of  the  Sanhedrin,  which  had  decreed  that 
any  one  who  acknowledged  Christ  to  be  the  Messiah 
should  be  excommunicated. 

1035.  What  did  the  Pharisees  then  say  to  the  man  9 
They  told  him  to  give  God  the  praise,  for  they  knew 

that  the  one  who  he  said  had  opened  his  eyes  was  a 
sinner. 

1036.  What  did  the  man  reply  9 

"  Whether  he  be  a  sinner  or  no,  I  know  not  :  one  thing 
I  know,  that,  whereas  I  was  blind,  now  I  see." 

1037.  What  was  he  then  asked  ? 

To  tell  the  story  again.  And  he  said,  "  I  have  told 
you  already,  and  ye  did  not  hear  :  wherefore  would  ye 
hear  it  again  ?  will  ye  also  be  his  disciples  ?  " 

1038.  The  Pharisees  then  began  to  revile  the  man, 
and  said,  "  Thou  art  his  disciple;  but  we  are  Moses'  dis- 
ciples.'"    What  did  the  man  then  say  9 

That  since  the  world  began,  no  man  had  opened  the 
eyes  of  one  born  blind.  If  this  man  were  not  of  God? 
He  could  do  nothing. 

1039.  This  brave  assertion  of  the  poor  beggar  made 
the  Pharisees  furious.     Sow   could  a  mere   ignorant 
beggar  dare  to  teach  the  learned  and  pious  Pharisees  / 
What  did  they  do  to  the  man  9 

They  cast  him  out.     This  does  not  mean  that  they 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  137 

excommunicated  him,  but  rather  that  they  turned  him 
out  of  the  room  where  the  meeting  was  held. 

1040.  What  did  Jesus  do  when  He  heard  this  ? 

He  found  the  man,  and  said  to  him,  "Dost  thou 
believe  on  the  Son  of  God  ?  " 

1041.  What  did  the  man  answer  ? 

"  Who  is  he,  Lord,  that  I  might  believe  on  him  ?  " 

1042.  What  did  our  Lord  say  to  this,  and  what  was 
the  marts  reply  ? 

"  Thou  hast  both  seen  him,  and  it  is  he  that  talketh 
with  thee."  And  the  man  said,  "  Lord,  I  believe/'  And 
he  worshipped  Him. 

LESSON  XXX. 
ST.  JOHN  IX.  39-41  ;  X.  1-21  ;  ST.  LUKE  IX.  51-58 ;  X.  1-24 

1043.  Our  Lord  then  turned  to  the  people  and  said, 
"  For  judgment  I  am  come  into  this  world,  that  they 
which  see  not  might  see ;  and  that  they  which  see  might 
be  made  blind."     What  did  He  mean  by  this  ? 

That  by  His  divine  power  of  reading  the  heart,  He 
would  prove  that  many  whom  men  counted  ignorant, 
or  Hind,  were  faithful  and  true,  and  therefore  saw  ; 
and  that  many,  such  as  the  powerful  Pharisees,  whom 
men  esteemed  to  be  great,  and  who  thought  they  saw 
and  knew  everything,  were  really  blind  and  ignorant. 

1044.  When  some  of  the  Pharisees  heard  Christ's 
words,  what  did  they  ask  ? 

"  Are  we  blind  also  ?  " 

1045.  What  did  our  Lord  answer  them  9 

"  If  ye  were  blind,  ye  should  have  no  sin  :  but  now 
ye  say,  We  see  ;  therefore  your  sin  remaincth." 


138  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1046.  What  did  He  mean  by  these  words  ? 

That  if  they  were  really  blind,  or  knew  no  better, 
there  would  be  an  excuse  for  their  conduct ;  but  since 
they  professed  to  know  what  was  right,  their  conduct 
was  sinful. 

1047.  Our  Lord  then  delivered  His  beautiful  dis- 
course of  the  Good  Shepherd.    In  this  parable,  what  does 
the  sheepfold  represent  9 

The  whole  church  of  Christ. 

1048.  Who  are  represented  by  the  sheep  ? 
The  followers  of  Christ. 

1049.  Who  ~by  the  shepherds  ? 
The  leaders  or  teachers. 

1050.  What  did  our  Lord  call  Himself  in  the  first 
part  of  the  discourse  ? 

"  I  am  the  door  :  by  me,  if  any  man  enter  in,  he  shall 
be  saved." 

1051.  What  did  He  say  of  a  shepherd  and  his  sheep  9 
"  And  when  he  putteth  forth  his  own  sheep,  he  goeth 

before  them,  and  the  sheep  follow  him  :  for  they  know 
his  voice.  And  a  stranger  will  they  not  follow,  but 
will  flee  from  him  :  for  they  know  not  the  voice  of 
strangers." 

1052.  What  can  you  say  of  shepherd  life  in  the  East  ? 
It  is  a  well-known  fact  that  sheep  recognize  the  voice 

of  their  own  shepherd.  Several  shepherds  would  go  to 
a  field  where  thousands  of  sheep  were  grazing,  and  each 
give  his  own  peculiar  call.  Immediately  the  sheep 
would  separate,  every  one  following  its  own  shep- 
herd. 

1053.  In  striking  contrast  to  the  cruel  leaders,  or 
false  shepherds,  who  had  just  turned  the  poor  blind  man 
from  the  fold,  what  did  our  Lord  say  of  Himself? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  139 

"  I  am  the  good  shepherd  :  the  good  shepherd  giveth 
his  life  for  the  sheep."  "  I  am  the  good  shepherd,  and 
know  my  sheep,  and  am  known  of  mine."  "  And  I  lay 
down  my  life  for  the  sheep/' 

1054.  How  were  these  sayings  received  by  the  people  ? 
There  was  a  division  among  them.     Many  said,  "  He 

hath  a  devil,  and  is  mad  :  why  hear  ye  him  ?  "  Others 
said,  These  are  not  the  words  of  a  mad  man.  "  Can  a 
devil  open  the  eyes  of  the  blind  ?  " 

1055.  There  are  no  records  which  enable  us  to  follow 
our  Lord,  step  by  step,  through  these  last  few  months  of 
His  life  on  earth.     After  the  Feast  of  Tabernacles  at 
Jerusalem,  to  what  place  is  it  thought  that  He  returned 
for  a  short  stay  9 

To  Galilee. 

1056.  After  that,  whither  did  our  Lord  go  9 

"He  stedfastly  set  his  face  to  go  to  Jerusalem." 
He  knew  that  His  time  was  nearly  come,  and  He  must 
go  to  that  city  and  suffer  "  many  things." 

1057.  How  did  He  travel? 

Very  slowly  He  went  through  the  cities  and  villages, 
teaching,  and  journeying  toward  Jerusalem. 

1058.  Before  leaving  Galilee,  whom  did  Christ  send 
in  advance,   (e  unto  every  city  and  place,  whither  he 
himself  would  come  "  9 

He  selected  seventy  of  His  followers,  and  sent  them 
forth,  two  by  two,  to  prepare  the  way  for  His  coming. 
His  directions  to  them  were  much  the  same  as  those  He 
gave  to  His  twelve  Apostles. 

1059.  Upon  what  towns  and  cities  of  Galilee,  where 
He  had  lived  and  worked  miracles,  did  He  now  pro- 
nounce woes  ? 

Chorazin,  Bethsaida,  and  Capernaum. 


140  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1060.  How  long  were  the  seventy  absent,  and  upon 
their   return,    what   account   did   they  give   of  their 
mission  9 

It  is  not  known  how  long  they  were  absent,  but  when 
they  returned  they  were  filled  with  joy  at  their  success  ; 
saying,  "Lord,  even  the  devils  are  subject  unto  us 
through  thy  name." 

1061.  How  did  our  Lord  reply  to  these  words? 

"  Rejoice  not,  that  the  spirits  are  subject  unto  you  : 
but  rather  rejoice,  because  your  names  are  written  in 
heaven." 

1062.  For  what  did  He  thank  God  f 

"  I  thank  thee,  O  Father,  Lord  of  heaven  and  earth, 
because  thou  hast  hid  these  things  from  the  wise  and 
prudent,  and  hast  revealed  them  unto  babes.  Even  so, 
Father  :  for  so  it  seemed  good  in  thy  sight." 

1063.  What  did  He  mean  9 

He  was  thankful  to  know  that  these  simple-minded 
men  were  God's  instruments  for  doing  good  and  con- 
verting people. 

1064.  What   most   comforting   words   did   He   then 
speak  f 

"  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labour  and  are  heavy 
laden,  and  I  will  give  you  rest.  Take  my  yoke  upon 
you,  and  learn  of  me  ;  for  I  am  meek  and  lowly  in  heart : 
and  ye  shall  find  rest  unto  your  souls.  For  my  yoke  is 
easy,  and  my  burden  is  light." 

1065.  Jesus  entered  the  borders  of  Samaria,  and  sent 
messengers  before  Him  to  prepare  lodgings.     What  oc- 
curred in  one  of  the  villages  ? 

The  Samaritans  refused  to  receive  Him,  because  He 
was  on  His  way  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the  Feast  of 
Dedication. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  141 

1066.  The  jealous  hatred  of  the  Samaritans  against 
the  Jews,  their  Temple,  and  its  services  at  Jerusalem 
has  been  referred  to  before.     Which  two  disciples  ex- 
pressed their  indignation  at  the  disrespect  shown  their 
Master,  and  what  did  they  say  9 

James  and  John  ;  and  they  said,  "  Lord,  wilt  thou  that 
we  command  fire  to  come  down  from  heaven,  and  con- 
sume them,  even  as  Elias  did  ?  " 

1067.  To  ivhat  incident  did  they  refer  9 

Elijah  called  down  fire  from  heaven  to  consume  some 
soldiers  sent  to  take  him,  by  a  wicked  king,  whose 
death  he  had  foretold. 

1068.  How  did  Christ  reply  to  James  and  John  ? 

"  He  turned,  and  rebuked  them,  and  said,  Ye  know 
not  what  manner  of  spirit  ye  are  of.  For  the  Son  of 
man  is  not  come  to  destroy  men's  lives,  but  to  save 
them."  And  they  went  to  another  village. 

1069.  As  they  journeyed  a  certain  man  came  to  Jesus 
and  said,  "Lord,  I  will  follow  thee  whithersoever  thou 
goest"    How  did  our  Lord  answer  Mm ? 

"  Foxes  have  holes,  and  birds  of  the  air  have 
nests  ;  but  the  Son  of  man  hath  not  where  to  lay  his 
head." 

LESSON  XXXI. 
ST.  LUKE  X.  25-37  ;  XI.  1-15,  37-54 

1070.  A  certain  lawyer  came  to  Christ,  and,  to  try 
Him,  asked,  "  Master,  what  shall  1  do  to  inherit  eternal 
life  ?  "     What  did  our  Lord  reply  ? 

"  What  is  written  in  the  law  ?  how  readest  thou  ?" 

1071.  What  d.id  the  lawyer  say  to  this  ? 


142  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  strength, 
and  with  all  thy  mind  ;  and  thy  neighbor  as  thyself." 

1072.  What  did  our  Lord  say  to  this  9 

"  Thou  hast  answered  right :  this  do,  and  thou  shalt 
live." 

1073.  What  did  the  lawyer  next  ask  ? 
"  And  who  is  my  neighbor  ?  " 

1074.  Our  Lord  taught  him  who  his  neighbor  was,  by 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  of  His  many  beautiful  parables. 
Wliat  is  it  called  ? 

The  parable  of  the  Good  Samaritan. 

1075.  How  does  the  story  begin  ? 

"A  certain  man  went  down  from  Jerusalem  to  Jeri- 
cho, and  fell  among  thieves,  which  stripped  him  of  his 
raiment,  and  wounded  him,  and  departed,  leaving  him 
half  dead." 

1076.  What  happened  then  ? 

"  And  by  chance  there  came  down  a  certain  priest 
that  way  :  and  when  he  saw  him,  he  passed  by  on  the 
other  side.  And  likewise  a  Levite,  when  he  was  at 
the  place,  came  and  looked  on  him,  and  passed  by 
on  the  other  side." 

1077.  Who  finally  came  to  his  assistance,  and  what 
did  he  do  9 

A  certain  Samaritan,  when  he  saw  him,  took  pity  on 
him,  bound  up  his  wounds,  set  him  on  his  own  beast, 
brought  him  to  an  inn,  and  took  care  of  him. 

1078.  When  the  Samaritan  left  on  the  morrow,  what 
directions  did  he  give  to  the  host  of  the  inn  ? 

He  left  money  with  him,  directing  him  to  take  care 
of  the  man,  and  whatever  more  he  spent,  he  would  re- 
pay him  when  he  came  again. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  143 

1079.  When  our  Lord  had  finished  the  parable,  what 
question  did  He  ask  of  the  lawyer  ? 

"Which  now  of  these  three,  thinkest  thou,  was 
neighbor  unto  him  that  fell  among  the  thieves  ?  " 

1080.  What  reply  did  the  lawyer  make,  and  what  did 
Jesus  say  f 

"He  that  shewed  mercy  on  him.  Then  said  Jesus 
unto  him,  Go,  and  do  thou  likewise." 

1081.  One  day  as  they  journeyed  slowly  toward  Jeru- 
salem, our  Lord  stood  apart  silently  praying.     When 
He  had  finished,  what  did  one  of  His  disciples  say  to 
Him? 

"  Lord,  teach  us  to  pray,  as  John  also  taught  his 
disciples." 

1082.  How  did  our  Lord  reply  to  the  request  ? 

He  said  to  them,  "  When  ye  pray,  say,  Our  Father 
which  art  in  heaven,  Hallowed  be  thy  name.  Thy  king- 
dom come.  Thy  will  be  done,  as  in  heaven,  so  in  earth. 
Give  us  day  by  day  our  daily  bread.  And  forgive  us 
our  sins  ;  for  we  also  forgive  every  one  that  is  indebted 
to  us.  And  lead  us  not  into  temptation  ;  but  deliver 
us  from  evil." 

1083.  When  and  where  had  Christ  taught  this  prayer 
before,  and  in  what  Gospel  do  we  find  it  ? 

Over  a  year  before,  in  the  "  Sermon  on  the  Mount," 
delivered  near  Capernaum.  We  find  it  in  the  sixth 
chapter  of  St.  Matthew. 

1084.  How  does  this  second  form  of  the  Lord's  Prayer 
differ  from  the  first? 

The  closing  words  are  left  off  :  "  For  thine  is  the 
kingdom,  and  the  power,  and  the  glory,  for  ever. 
Amen." 

1085.  Hoio  is  this  accounted  for  9 


144  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

These  concluding  words  were  a  common  doxology, 
used  for  the  closing  of  any  prayer. 

1086.  By  what  parable  did  our  Lord  then  teach  perse- 
verance in  prayer  ? 

By  the  parable  of  the  Friend  at  Midnight. 

1087.  What  is  the  story  9 

One  goes  to  a  friend  at  midnight  to  borrow  three 
loaves,  to  set  before  a  visitor,  who,  in  his  journeys,  had 
come  to  him,  and  he  had  nothing  to  offer  him. 

1088.  How  did  the  friend  reply  to  the  request? 

"  Trouble  me  not  :  the  door  is  now  shut,  and  my  chil- 
dren are  with  me  in  bed  ;  I  cannot  rise  and  give  thee." 

1089.  What  did  our  Lord  say  f 

That,  although  he  would  not  rise  and  give  him  be- 
cause he  was  his  friend,  yet,  because  he  persevered  and 
insisted,  he  rose  and  gave  him  as  many  loaves  as  he 
needed. 

1090.  Wliat  did  our  Lord  then  promise  to  those  who 
persevered  in  prayer  9 

"  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you  ;  seek,  and  ye  shall 
find  ;  knock,  and  it  shall  be  opened  unto  you.  For  every 
one  that  asketh  receiveth  ;  and  he  that  seeketh  findeth  ; 
and  to  him  that  knocketh  it  shall  be  opened." 

1091.  What  did  He  say  about  children  asking  benefits 
of  their  earthly  father  ? 

If  a  son  ask  bread  of  a  father,  will  he  give  him  a 
stone  ?  or  if  he  ask  a  fish,  will  he  give  him  a  serpent  ? 
Or,  if  he  ask  an  egg,  will  he  offer  him  a  scorpion  ? 

1092.  How  did  He  compare  an  earthly  father  to  our 
heavenly  Father  f 

"  If  ye  then,  being  evil,  know  how  to  give  good  gifts 
unto  your  children  :  how  much  more  shall  your  heavenly 
Father  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to  them  that  ask  him  ?  " 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  145 

1093.  About  this  time  what  miracle  did  He  perform  9 
He  healed  a  dumb  demoniac.     And  "  when  the  devil 

was  gone  out,  the  dumb  spake  ;  and  the  people  won- 
dered." 

1094.  What  invitation  did  He  accept  9 

"  A  certain  Pharisee  besought  him  to  dine  with  him ; 
and  he  went  in,  and  sat  down  to  meat." 

1095.  Why  did  the  Pharisee  find  fault  with  Him  9 
Because  He  had  not  washed  before  dinner. 

1096.  How  did  our  Lord  answer  him  9 

He  told  him  that  the  Pharisees  made  clean  the  out- 
side of  the  cup  and  the  platter  ;  but  within  they  were 
full  of  "ravening  and  wickedness/' 

1097.  What  did  He  mean  by  this  ? 

That  they  were  very  strict  about  outward  observ- 
ances ;  but  that  their  hearts  were  full  of  wicked- 
ness. 

1098.  The  Pharisees  always  roused  the  indignation 
of  our  Lord,  by  their  hypocrisy  and  cold  cruelty.    What 
did  He  pronounce  upon  them  at  the  Pharisee's  table  9 

Many  woes.  Among  them  He  said,  "  Woe  unto  you, 
Pharisees  !  for  ye  love  the  uppermost  seats  in  the  syna- 
gogues, and  greetings  in  the  markets." 

1099.  In  many  of  these  "  woes,"  the  scribes  were  in- 
cluded; how  were  they  affected  by  the  severity  of  Christ's 
words  against  them  9 

They  hated  Him  with  a  bitter  hatred,  and  tried  to 
provoke  Him  to  say  something  for  which  they  might 
have  Him  arrested. 

1100.  As  He  left  the  house  the  crowds  were  so  great 
that  "  they  trod  one  upon  another."     What  did  He  warn 
His  followers  against  9 

The  spirit  of  the  Pharisees,  which  was  hypocrisy. 
10 


146  A   LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

LESSON   XXXII. 

ST.  LUKE  XII.  13-48;  XIII.  1-17 

1101.  What  request  did  one  of  the  multitude  make  of 
our  Lord  ? 

He  asked  Him  to  speak  to  bis  brother,  tbat  he  might 
divide  his  inheritance  with  him. 

1102.  What  motive  must  have  prompted  this  request, 
and  why  ? 

Covetousness.  For  the  Jewish  law  as  to  inheritance 
was  so  strict  and  so  clearly  defined,  that  if  the  claim  of 
the  man  had  been  a  just  one,  he  need  not  have  appealed 
to  Jesus. 

1103.  Our  Lord  always  refused  to  interfere  in  the 
worldly  affairs  of  men.     How  did  He  answer  this  re- 
quest ? 

"  Man,  who  made  me  a  judge  or  a  divider  over  you  ?  " 
Then  to  the  people  He  said,  "  Take  heed,  and  beware  of 
covetousness  :  for  a  man's  life  consisteth  not  in  the 
abundance  of  the  things  which  he  possesseth." 

1104.  By  what  parable  did  the  Lord  then  teach  the 
sin  and  the  folly  of  covetousness  ? 

That  of  the  Foolish  Rich  Man. 

1105.  Tell  the  story. 

The  ground  of  a  rich  man  brought  forth  so  plentifully 
that  he  had  no  room  to  stow  his  harvests.  So  he  de- 
cided to  pull  down  his  barns,  and  build  larger  ones,  that 
he  might  stow  away  his  goods. 

1106.  Then  what  did  he  say  ? 

"  I  will  say  to  my  soul,  Soul,  thou  hast  much  goods 
laid  up  for  many  years  ;  take  thine  ease,  eat,  drink,  and 
be  merry/' 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  147 

1107.  But  what  did  God  say  to  him  ? 

"  Thou  fool !  this  night  thy  soul  shall  be  required  of 
thee  :  then  whose  shall  those  things  be,  which  thou  hast 
provided  ? "  "  So  is  he  that  layeth  up  treasures  for 
himself,  and  is  not  rich  toward  God." 

1108.  "  The  danger  of  riches   increases  with   their 
increase."      What  is    the    Psalmist    David's  advice? 
(Ps.  Ixii.  10.) 

"  If  riches  increase,  set  not  your  heart  upon  them." 

1109.  How  would  Christ  teach  us  by  this  parable  to 
use  them  ? 

To  lay  up  everlasting  treasures  in  heaven,  by  giving 
of  our  riches  to  God's  needy  children  here  on  earth. 

1110.  What  did  our  Lord  again  bid  His  disciples  ? 
Not  to  be  over-anxious  about  the  future.     He  assured 

them  of  the  loving  care  of  their  heavenly  Father.  He 
said,  "Are  not  five  sparrows  sold  for  two  farthings,  and 
not  one  of  them  is  forgotten  before  God  ?  But  even 
the  very  hairs  of  your  head  are  all  numbered.  Fear  not 
therefore  :  ye  are  of  more  value  than  many  spari'ows." 

1111.  Relate  the  parable  by  which  our  Lord  taught 
us  to  be  always  ready  for  His  coming. 

It  is  the  story  of  a  lord,  who  went  away  and  left  his 
servantvin  charge,  to  look  after  his  household.  If, 
when  he  came  home,  he  should  find  his  servant  so  doing, 
he  would  bless  him  and  make  him  ruler  over  all  that  he 
had. 

1112.  What  was  the  other  possibility? 

If  that  servant  should  say,  "  My  lord  delayeth  his 
coming,"  and  should  beat  the  under  servants,  and 
should  feast  and  be  drunken  ;  then  the  lord  might 
come  when  he  was  not  expected,  and  he  would  order  the 
unfaithful  servant  to  be  beaten  and  cast  forth. 


148  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1113.  What  further  words   of  our   Lord  teach  this 
same  lesson  9 

"  Be  ye  therefore  ready  also  :  for  the  Son  of  man 
cometh  at  an  hour  when  ye  think  not." 

1114.  It  was  probably  about  this  time  that  our  Lord 
was  informed  of  an  outrage  committed  by  Pilate,  the 
Roman  governor.     What  was  it  ? 

A  party  of  Galileans  visited  Jerusalem,  and  Pilate, 
for  some  unknown  reason,  had  them  slain,  and  mingled 
their  blood  with  the  blood  of  the  beasts  they  had  killed 
to  offer  on  the  altar  in  the  Temple. 

1115.  What  did  the  people  think  of  the  victims  of 
this  cruel  deed  9 

That  they  must  have  been  guilty  of  some  terrible  sin 
to  have  suffered  such  a  death. 

1116.  What  did  our  Lord  say  ? 

He  rebuked  them  for  thus  thinking,  adding,  that  they 
were  no  more  sinners  than  the  eighteen  persons  on  whom 
a  tower  in  Siloam  had  recently  fallen,  and  crushed  be- 
neath its  ruins. 

1117.  While  Christ  rebuked  their  misunderstanding 
of  the  ways  of  Providence,  He  made  it  an  occasion  again 
to  enforce  what  duty  ? 

That  of  repentance.  By  such  swift  calamities  they 
were  to  be  reminded  of  the  uncertainty  of  life,  and  were 
to  repent  while  there  was  yet  time. 

1118.  By  what  parable  did  He  illustrate  this  lesson  f 
That  of  the  Fig-tree. 

1119.  Relate  the  story. 

A  man  had  a  fig-tree  planted  in  his  vineyard,  and  he 
went  to  look  for  fruit,  and  found  none. 

1120.  What  did  he  say  to  his  gardener  ? 

He  told  him  that  for  three   years  he  had  failed  to 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  149 

find  any  fruit  on  that  tree.     He  then  ordered  it  cut 
down,  as  it  was  only  in  the  way. 

1121.  How  did  the  gardener  intercede  for  the  tree  ? 
He  begged  his  lord  to  let  it  alone  for  one  more  year, 

until  he  had  cultivated  it,  and  then  if  it  bore  no  fruit 
it  should  be  cut  down. 

1122.  What  is  the  meaning  of  this  parable  ? 

The  owner  of  the  vineyard  is  God ;  the  vineyard  is 
His  people  ;  the  fig-tree  is  one  who  is  still  impenitent. 
The  gardener  who  pleads  for  the  tree  is  our  Saviour, 
who,  full  of  love  and  compassion,  intercedes  for  us. 

1123.  As  Christ  was  teaching  in  one  of  the  synagogues 
on  the  Sabbath  day,  we  know  not  where,  whom  did  He 
heal  ? 

A  woman,  who  for  eighteen  years  had  had  a  "  spirit 
of  infirmity,"  that  is,  she  was  possessed  with  an  evil 
spirit  and  was  bowed  together,  so  that  she  was  not  able 
to  lift  herself  up. 

1124.  When  Jesus  saw  her,  what  did  He  do  t 

He  called  her  to  Him,  and  said  unto  her  :  "  Woman, 
thou  art  loosed  from  thine  infirmity."  And  he  laid  his 
hands  on  her  :  and  immediately  she  was  made  straight, 
and  glorified  God. 

1125.  The  ruler  of  the  synagogue  was  indignant  at 
this  cure  on  the  Sabbath  day  ;  but,  possibly  because  he 
was  too  timid,  he  did  not  venture  to  rebuke  our  Lord. 
What  did  he  do  ? 

He  said  to  the  people,  thus  indirectly  reproaching 
Christ,  "There  are  six  days  in  which  men  ought  to 
work  :  in  them,  therefore,  come  and  be  healed,  and  not 
on  the  sabbath  day/' 

1126.  What  was  our  Lord's  reply? 

"  Thou  hypocrite !  doth  not  each  one  of  you  on  the 


150  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

sabbath  loose  his  ox  or  his  ass  from  the  stall,  and  lead 
him  away  to  watering  ?  And  ought  not  this  woman, 
being  a  daughter  of  Abraham,  whom  Satan  hath  bound, 
lo,  these  eighteen  years,  be  loosed  from  this  bond  on 
the  sabbath  day  ?  " 

1127.  How  did  these  words  affect  the  people  9 
They  put  His   enemies  to   shame  ;  and   the   people 
rejoiced  for  the  glorious  things  He  had  done. 


LESSON  XXXIII. 

ST.  LUKE  XIII.  22-33  ;  X.  38-42  ;  ST.  JOHN  X.  22-42 

1128.  As  our  Lord  was  journeying  toward  Jerusalem, 
through  the  cities  and  villages,  some  one  said  to  Him, 
"  Lord,  are  there  few  that  be  saved  9  "    How  did  He 
answer  ? 

"  Strive  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate  :  for  many,  I 
say  unto  you,  will  seek  to  enter  in,  and  shall  not  be 
able." 

1129.  Christ  did  not  answer  the  question  directly;  He 
teaches  each  one  to  "strive  "  to  enter  into  His  kingdom, 
^vithout  questioning  the  number  saved.      What  did  He 
mean  ~by  the  word  ''strive "f 

Struggle  ;  fight. 

1130.  What  is  the  "strait,"  or  narrow,  difficult  gate 
by  which  to  enter  in  ? 

Self-denial,  self-forgetfulness,  and  the  taking  up  the 
cross  cheerfully  to  follow  Christ. 

1131.  Why  do  many  seek  to  enter  in,  and  are  not  able  ? 
They  either  seek  in  a  half-hearted  way,  or  they  seek 

to  enter  by  other  and  easier  means,  or  they  seek  when 
it  is  too  late. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  151 

1132.  Against  whom  was  Christ  warned  ? 

Some  Pharisees  came  to  Him,  saying,  "  Get  thee  out, 
and  depart  hence  :  for  Herod  will  kill  thee." 

1133.  What  Herod  was  this  f 

Herod  Antipas  ;  the  son  of  Herod  the  Great.  It  was 
Herod  Antipas  who  had  caused  John  the  Baptist  to  be 
beheaded. 

1134.  Probably  he  had  no  intention  of  killing  Jesus  ; 
he  may  have  wanted  to  frighten  Him,  so  that  He  would 
leave  his  province,  where  our  Lord  was  too  well  knoivn  to 
please  the  unbelieving  ruler.     What  portion  of  Palestine 
belonged  to  the  province  of  Herod  Antipas  ? 

Galilee  ;  and  he  also  ruled  over  Perea,  the  country 
lying  east  of  the  Jordan,  between  the  Dead  Sea  and  the 
Sea  of  Galilee. 

1135.  About  this  time  it  is  almost  impossible  to  follow 
Christ's  wanderings  with  any  certainty.      Where  must 
we  suppose  Him  to  have  been  when  He  received  the  warn- 
ing against  Herod  $ 

Somewhere  in  Herod's  province  ;  that  is,  either  in 
Galilee  or  more  probably  in  Perea,  just  east  of  the 
Jordan. 

1136.  What  can  you  say  of  the  inhabitants  of  Perea? 
The  population  was  not  purely  Jewish,  but  was  rather 

a  mixed  one,  and  therefore  our  Lord  found  less  bitter 
opposition  there  than  in  Judea. 

1137.  Where  was  the  little  town  of  Bethany  in  Judea, 
and  who  lived  there  f 

It  was  two  miles  east  of  Jerusalem,  at  the  foot  of 
the  Mount  of  Olives.  Two  sisters  and  a  brother, 
Mary,  Martha,  and  Lazarus,  had  their  home  there. 
They  were  dear  friends  of  Christ's,  and  He  often  visited 
them. 


152  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1138.  At  one  time,  when  Jesus  was  visiting  there, 
how  did  the  two  sisters  receive  Him  ? 

Martha  showed  more  anxiety  to  provide  for  her  guest 
than  to  listen  to  His  words.  Mary,  on  the  contrary,  sat 
at  His  feet,  and,  forgetful  of  everything  else,  drank  in 
every  word  which  fell  from  His  lips. 

1139.  What  complaint  did  the  lusy  Martha,  absorbed 
in  her  household  cares,  make  to  our  Lord? 

She  said  to  Him,  "  Lord,  dost  thou  not  care  that  my 
sister  hath  left  me  to  serve  alone?  bid  her  therefore 
that  she  help  me/' 

1140.  What  was  our  Lord's  reply  9 

"  Martha,  Martha,  thou  art  careful  and  troubled  about 
many  things  :  But  one  thing  is  needful :  and  Mary 
hath  chosen  that  good  part,  which  shall  not  be  taken 
away  from  her." 

1141.  When  Christ  said  that  Mary  had  chosen  the 
"good  part"  did  He  mean  that  Martha  had  chosen  a 
bad  part  ? 

No  ;  He  meant  only  that  she  was  over  anxious  about 
her  household  duties,  to  the  neglect  of  what  was  more 
important. 

1142.  What  did  He  mean,  when  He  said,  "But  one 
thing  is  needful  "  ? 

Only  one  thing  is  of  supreme  importance,  that  is,  the 
love  and  service  of  God. 

1143.  About  this  time  our  Lord  went  up  to  Jeru- 
salem.    For  what  purpose  did  He  go  ? 

To  attend  the  Feast  of  Dedication,  which  was  cele- 
brated in  December. 

1144.  What  can  you  say  of  this  feast  ? 

It  was  not  one  of  divine  appointment,  but  was  insti- 
tuted by  Judas  Maccabeus  (B.C.  164),  to  commemorate 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  153 

the  purging  of  the  Temple  and  the  rebuilding  of  the 
altar,  which  had  been  polluted  and  destroyed  by  the 
Syrians. 

1145.  How  long  did  it  last,  and  how  was  it  celebrated? 
Eight  days,  and  was  an  occasion  of  much  festivity. 

The  Jews  assembled  in  the  Temple  or  in  the  synagogues, 
carrying  branches  of  trees  and  palms  in  their  hands,  and 
sang  psalms  to  the  God  of  their  salvation.  The  Temple 
and  all  private  houses  were  illuminated  every  night  with 
lanterns  and  torches,  for  which  reason  Josephus  calls  it 
the  Feast  of  Lamps. 

1146.  When  and  on  what  occasion  had  our  Lord  last 
visited  Jerusalem  ? 

Two  months  before,  in  October,  when  He  attended 
the  Feast  of  Tabernacles. 

1147.  We  have  no  note  of  the  time  or  order  of  events 
between  these  two  feasts.      There  are  many  different 
opinions  in  regard  to  the  matter.     But  one  thing  is 
clear,  and  admitted  by  every  one  ;  what  is  it  f 

That  both  these  feasts  were  plainly  those  next  before 
our  Lord's  last  Passover,  in  the  last  year  of  His  public 
ministry. 

1148.  What  can  you  say  of  the  climate  of  Palestine 
in  December  ? 

It  is  chilly  and  cold,  with  some  snow,  though  more 
rain  ;  the  thermometer  averages  forty-six  degrees,  with 
a  rise  of  five  or  six  degrees  during  the  day. 

1149.  When  Jesus  went  to  the  Temple  to  attend  the 
Feast  of  Dedication,  where  did  He  walk  ? 

In  the  shelter  of  the  roof-covered  cloister  or  colon- 
nade on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Temple,  called  Solo- 
mon's Porch. 

1150.  What  question  did  the  Jews  ask  Him  ? 


154  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  How  long  dost  thou  make  us  to  doubt  ?  If  thou  be 
the  Christ,  tell  us  plainly." 

1151.  Still  did  they  ask  for  more  "  signs,"  such  as  they 
wished  for  and  expected.     How  did  our  Lord  reply  to 
their  questions  9 

"  I  told  you,  and  ye  believed  not ;  the  works  that  I 
do  in  my  Father's  name,  they  bear  witness  of  me." 
"  But  ye  believe  not,  because  ye  are  not  of  my  sheep." 

1152.  Our  Lord  would  not  admit  that  He  was  the 
Christ  in  their  sense  of  the  term.     He  had  set  Himself 

forth  as  the  Messiah,  but  in  a  sense  in  which  they  were 
not  willing  to  receive  Him.  What  did  He  then  say  of 
His  "sheep,"  i.e.,  His  true  disciples? 

"My  sheep  hear  my  voice,  and  I  know  them,  and 
they  follow  me  :  and  I  give  unto  them  eternal  life  ;  and 
they  shall  never  perish,  neither  shall  any  man  pluck 
them  out  of  my  hand." 

1153.  What  did  He  say  of  Himself  and  His  Father  ? 
"  I  and  my  Father  are  one." 

1154.  How  did  these  words  affect  the  hearers  9 
They  were  furious,  and  took  up  stones  to  stone  Him. 

1155.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  them  9 

"  Many  good  works  have  I  showed  you  from  my 
Father  ;  for  which  of  those  works  do  ye  stone  me  ?  " 

1156.  Hoiv  did  the  Jews  reply  9 

"  For  a  good  work  we  stone  thee  not ;  but  for  blas- 
phemy ;  and  because  that  thou,  being  a  man,  makest 
thyself  God." 

1157.  What  did  our  Lord  then  do  9 

He  escaped  out  of  their  hands,  and  went  again  be- 
yond the  Jordan  to  Bethabara,  where  he  took  up  His 
abode. 


A  LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  155 

LESSON  XXXIV. 

ST.  LUKE  XIV.  1-35 

1158.  Whither  did  Christ  go  on  a  Sabbath  day? 

He  went  into  the  house  of  one  of  the  chief  Pharisees 
to  eat  bread  on  the  Sabbath  day,  and  they  watched 
Him. 

1159.  Our  Lord  is  never  said  to  have  refused  an 
invitation,  even  from  a  Pharisee.     Whom  did  He  see 
before  Him  in  the  Pharisee's  house  ? 

A  man  which  had  the  dropsy. 

1160.  Possibly  the  man  stood  in  the  groups  of  gazers 
and  news  tellers  that  often  gathered  about  the  verandas 
and  courts  of  an  Eastern  house  during  an  entertainment. 
Perhaps  he  was  placed  there  by  the  evil  design  of  the 
Pharisees,  as  a  snare  ;  they  watching  to  see  if  Christ 
would  again  offend  by  healing  on  the  Sabbath  day. 
What  did  Jesus  say  ? 

He  spake  unto  the  lawyers  and  Pharisees,  saying, 
"  Is  it  lawful  to  heal  on  the  sabbath  day  ?  "  "  And 
they  held  their  peace." 

1161.  What  followed? 

Our  Lord  took  the  man  and  healed  him,  and  let  him 
go.  Then,  turning  to  the  Jews,  He  asked,  as  on  a 
former  occasion,  whether  they  would  not  release  one  of 
their  own  beasts  from  suffering  on  the  Sabbath  day — 
how  much  more,  then,  is  a  man  better  than  a  beast  ? 

1162.  What  did  our  Lord  notice  about  the  guests  who 
had  been  bidden  to  the  feast  ? 

He  marked  how  they  showed  their  self-pride  by  choos- 
ing for  themselves  the  chief  places  of  honor. 


156  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1163.  What  advice  did  our  Lord  give  to  them  ? 

He  said,  if  a  man  were  bidden  to  a  feast,  he  should 
not  take  the  best  place  or  place  of  honor  for  himself, 
lest  a  more  honorable  guest  should  arrive,  and  the  host 
should  say,  ' '  Give  this  man  thy  place. "  Then  with 
shame  he  would  have  to  take  a  lower. 

1164.  What  else  did  He  advise  ? 

That  when  a  man  was  bidden  to  a  feast,  he  should 
take  the  "  lowest "  seat ;  then  perhaps  the  host  might 
bid  him  take  a  better  place,  and  he  should  therefore  be 
honored,  rather  than  shamed,  before  the  other  guests. 

1165.  What  words  did  our   Lord  add  to   impress 
upon  their  minds  this  lesson  of  humility  % 

"  For  whosoever  exalteth  himself  shall  be  abased  ; 
and  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted. " 

1166.  Whom  did  our  Lord  ask  us  to  entertain  f 

"  When  than  makest  a  feast,  call  the  poor,  the  maimed, 
the  lame,  the  blind  :  And  thou  shalt  be  blessed  ;  for  they 
cannot  recompense  thee  :  for  thou  shalt  be  recompensed 
at  the  resurrection  of  the  just." 

1167.  Did  He  mean  that  we  should  never  invite  our 
richer  friends  and  "  neighbors  "for  our  guests  ? 

No  ;  but  He  would  not  have  us  always  entertain 
those  only  who  could  return  the  honor  ;  He  would  have 
us  sometimes  entertain  the  poor  and  needy,  who  are  not 
able  to  give  us  any  return,  and  God  will  reward  us. 

1168.  When  one  of  the  guests  who  sat  at  meat  with 
our  Lord  heard  His  words,  what  did  he  say  ? 

"  Blessed  is  he  that  shall  eat  bread  in  the  kingdom  of 
God/'  alluding  to  the  Pharisees'  idea  of  heaven  as  a 
great  banquet. 

1169.  The  man  probably  thought  of  himself  as  thus 
blessed ;  but  our  Lord  knew,  in  spite  of  his  pretence, 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  157 

how  little  he  really  understood  or  cared  for  the  true 
kingdom  of  God,  and  He  also  knew  well  the  cold  indiffer- 
ence with  tvhich  His  teaching  of  this  kingdom  had  been 
received  by  the  class  of  Jews  to  which  the  guests  at  the 
feast  belonged.  What  parable  did  He  then  utter,  illus- 
trating how  very  little  they  really  valued  the  kingdom 
of  God  9 

That  of  the  Great  Supper. 

1170.  How  does  the  story  begin  9 

"A  certain  man  made  a  great  supper,  and  bade  many  : 
and  sent  his  servant  at  supper  time  to  say  to  them  that 
were  bidden,  Come  ;  for  all  things  are  now  ready/' 

1171.  How  did  the  bidden  guests  answer  ? 

"They  all  with  one  consent  began  to  make  excuse." 

1172.  How  many  of  these  excuses  are  told  in  the  story, 
and  what  was  the  first  ? 

Three.  The  first  man  said,  "  I  have  bought  a  piece 
of  ground,  and  I  must  needs  go  and  see  it." 

1173.  What  were  the  second  and  third  excuses  ? 

The  second  man  said,  "I  have  bought  five  yoke  of 
oxen,  and  I  go  to  prove  them."  The  third  said,  "I 
have  married  a  wife,  and  therefore  I  cannot  come." 

1174.  When  the  servant  returned  and  told  his  master 
these  things,  what  order  did  he  receive  ? 

"  Go  out  quickly  into  the  streets  and  lanes  of  the  city, 
and  bring  in  hither  the  poor,  and  the  maimed,  and  the 
halt,  and  the  blind." 

1175.  When  this  was  done  and  there  was  yet  room, 
what  did  the  lord  say  to  his  servant  ? 

"  Go  out  into  the  highways  and  hedges,  and  compel 
them  to  come  in,  that  my  house  may  be  filled.  For  I 
say  unto  you,  That  none  of  these  men  which  were 
bidden  shall  taste  of  my  supper." 


158  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1176.  Who   was    meant  by  the  man  who  gave  the 
supper  ? 

God. 

1177.  What  lesson  do  we  learn  from  this  parable  ? 
That  we  do  not  appreciate  God's  goodness,  and  when 

He  calls  us,  we  are  too  ready  with  excuses  of  worldly 
business,  care,  and  pleasure  to  answer  His  call. 

1178.  What  else  do  we  learn  9 

That  God  would  give  of  His  grace  to  them  that  are 
hungry  for  it,  and  glad  to  receive  it ;  and  not  to  them 
that  are  indifferent. 

1179.  What  did  our  Lord  then  say  to  the  multitude  9 
"If  any  man  come  to  me,  and  hate  not  his  father, 

and  mother,  and  wife,  and  children,  and  brethren,  and 
sisters,  yea,  and  his  own  life  also,  he  cannot  be  my 
disciple.  And  whosoever  doth  not  bear  his  cross,  and 
come  after  me,  cannot  be  my  disciple." 

1180.  Did  Christ  mean  that  we  must  not  love  our 
family  and  friends  f 

No  ;  but  He  would  not  have  us  love  them  better  than 
Him,  or  have  our  love  for  them  interfere  with  or  drown 
our  love  for  Him. 

1181.  Our  Lord  did  not  promise  His  followers  earth- 
ly reward,  or  freedom  from  earthly  cares  or  trials. 
Before  taking  up  His  cross  He  wishes  them  to  count  the 
cost  well.     This  He  teaches  by  two  short  parables  ;  what 
was  the  first? 

"  Which  of  you,  intending  to  build  a  tower,  sitteth 
not  down  first,  and  counteth  the  cost,  whether  he  have 
sufficient  to  finish  it  ?  Lest  haply,  after  he  hath  laid 
the  foundation,  and  is  not  able  to  finish  it,  all  that 
behold  it  begin  to  mock  him,  saying,  This  man  began 
to  build,  and  was  not  able  to  finish." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  159 

1182.  What  was  the  second  parable  in  this  discourse 
on  counting  the  cost  ? 

"What  king,  going  to  make  war  against  another  king, 
sitteth  not  down  first,  and  consulteth  whether  he  be  able 
with  ten  thousand  to  meet  him  that  come th- against  him 
with  twenty  thousand  ?  Or  else,  while  the  other  is  yet 
a  great  way  off,  he  sendeth  an  ambassage,  and  desireth 
conditions  of  peace." 


LESSON  XXXV. 

ST.  LUKE   XV.  3-32 

1183.  The  first  group  of  the  parables  of  our  Lord,  of 
which  we  read,  were  uttered  by  the  Sea  of  Galilee.     We 
are  told  of  no  more  for  over  a  year.     But  now  St.  Luke 
gives  us  Jive,  which  our  Lord  must  have  given  about  this 
time  in  Perea.     The  first  three  are  called  parables  of 
grace,  the  other  two  are  parables  of  warning.     Why  are 
the  first  three  called  parables  of  grace? 

Because  they  teach  of  God's  grace,  or  goodness,  of 
His  love  for  sinners,  and  His  mercy  in  saving  the  lost. 
They  were  given  in  reply  to  the  angry  murmurs  of  the 
Pharisees  because  our  Lord  associated  with  publicans 
and  sinners. 

1184.  The  first  of  the  three  parables  of  grace  is  called 
The  Lost  Sheep.     Tell  the  story. 

11  Which  man  of  you,  having  an  hundred  sheep,  if  he 
lose  one  of  them,  doth  not  leave  the  ninety  and  nine  in 
the  wilderness,  and  go  after  that  which  is  lost,  until  he 
find  it  ?  And  when  he  hath  found  it,  he  layeth  it  on  his 
shoulders,  rejoicing.  And  when  he  cometh  home,  he 


160  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

calleth  together  his  friends  and  neighbors,  saying  unto 
them,  Rejoice  with  me  ;  for  I  have  found  my  sheep 
which  was  lost." 

1185.  What  words  did  our  Lord  add  about  a  repent- 
ant sinner  ? 

"  I  say  unto  you,  that  likewise  joy  shall  be  in  heaven 
over  one  sinner  that  repenteth,  more  than  over  ninety 
and  nine  just  persons,  which  need  no  repentance." 

1186.  The  second  parable  of  grace  is  called  The  Lost 
Piece  of  Silver.     What  is  it  ? 

"  What  woman  having  ten  pieces  of  silver,  if  she  lose 
one  piece,  doth  not  light  a  candle,  and  sweep  the  house, 
and  seek  diligently  till  she  find  it  ?  And  when  she 
hath  found  it,  she  calleth  her  friends  and  her  neighbors 
together,  saying,  Rejoice  with  me  ;  for  I  have  found 
the  piece  which  I  had  lost." 

1187.  What  did  our  Lord  addf 

"  I  say  unto  you,  there  is  joy  in  the  presence  of  the 
angels  of  God  over  one  sinner  that  repenteth." 

1188.  Thus  would   Christ  teach  that  each  soul,  no 
matter  how  poor  or  despised,  is  of  value  in  the  sight  of 
Heaven.     In  these  two  parables  God  seeks  the  lost  ones  ; 
in  the  next,  that  of  the  Prodigal  Son,  the  lost  one  seeks 
God.     Give  the  first  part  of  the  parable  of  the  Prodigal 
Son. 

A  certain  man  had  two  sons  ;  the  younger  of  them 
asked  of  his  father  his  share  of  the  inheritance,  and 
went  off  to  a  far  country,  and  there  wasted  his  money 
with  riotous  living. 

1189.  When  he  had  spent  all,  what  happened? 
There  came  a  famine,  and  he  began  to  suffer  want, 

and  he  hired  himself  to  a  man,  who  sent  him  into  his 
field  to  feed  his  swine.  And  he  was  so  hungry,  he 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  161 

would  have  liked  to  eat  the  husks  which  were  meant 
for  the  swine. 

1190.  When  he  came  to  himself,  what  did  he  say  ? 

"  How  many  hired  servants  of  my  father's  have  bread 
enough  and  to  spare,  and  I  perish  with  hunger  !  I  will 
arise  and  go  to  my  father,  and  will  say  unto  him, 
Father,  I  have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  before  thee, 
and  am  no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son  :  make  me 
as  one  of  thy  hired  servants." 

1191.  When  he  arose  and  went  to  his  father,  what 
happened  9 

"  When  he  was  yet  a  great  way  off,  his  father  saw 
him,  and  had  compassion,  and  ran,  and  fell  on  his  neck, 
and  kissed  him.  And  the  son  said  unto  him,  Father,  I 
have  sinned  against  heaven,  and  in  thy  sight,  and  am 
no  more  worthy  to  be  called  thy  son." 

1192.  But  what  did  the  father  say  to  his  servants  f 

"  Bring  forth  the  best  robe,  and  put  it  on  him  ;  and 
put  a  ring  on  his  hand,  and  shoes  on  his  feet  :  and 
bring  hither  the  fatted  calf,  and  kill  it ;  and  let  us  eat, 
and  be  merry  :  for  this  my  son  was  dead,  and  is  alive 
again  ;  he  was  lost,  and  is  found.  And  they  began  to 
be  merry." 

1193.  The  elder  son  was  in  the  field;  and  when  he 
came  near  the   house  and   heard  the  music  and  the 
dancing,  what  did  he  do  ? 

He  inquired  of  one  of  the  servants  what  it  all  meant. 
And  the  servant  replied,  "  Thy  brother  is  come  ;  and 
thy  father  hath  killed  the  fatted  calf,  because  he  hath 
received  him  safe  and  sound." 

1194.  But  the  brother  was  angry,  and  would  not  go 
in  ;  and  when  his  father  came  out  and  entreated  him, 
what  did  he  say  ? 

11 


162  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

He  told  him  he  had  served  him  many  years,  and 
had  never  disobeyed  him,  yet  there  had  been  not  even 
so  much  as  a  kid  killed  for  him,  that  he  might  make 
merry  with  his  friends.  But  when  this  son,  who  had 
been  so  wicked,  had  returned,  for  him  the  fatted  calf 
had  been  killed. 

1195.  What  touching  reply  did  the  father  make  to 
this  jealous  elder  brother? 

"  Son,  thou  art  ever  with  me,  and  all  that  I  have  is 
thine.  It  was  meet  that  we  should  make  merry,  and  be 
glad  :  for  this  thy  brother  was  dead,  and  is  alive  again  ; 
and  was  lost,  and  is  found/' 

1196.  By  some  this  parable  of  the  Prodigal  Sonis  con- 
sidered the  most  beautiful  in  the  New  Testament.     It  is 
rich  ivith  many  lessons.     In  the  story,  by  the  father  is 
meant  God.      Who  are  represented  by  the  younger  son  ? 

The  publicans  and  sinners,  and  all  those  who  think 
they  can  be  happy  away  from  their  heavenly  Father's 
care.  Our  Lord  would  teach  them  that  they  may 
enjoy  worldly  prosperity  for  a  time,  but  they  cannot 
endure  trials  without  Him,  and  He  is  ever  ready  in  His 
divine  love  to  forgive  them,  and  receive  them  back  into 
His  keeping,  when  they  come  to  Him  for  pardon. 

1197.  Who  are  represented  by  the  elder  son  9 

The  Pharisees,  and  all  those  who  keep  the  law,  but 
boast  of  their  good  deeds,  while  in  their  hearts  is  bit- 
ter hatred,  jealousy,  and  uncharitableness.  Our  Lord 
would  teach  them  brotherly  love,  and  would  have  them 
rejoice  in  His  forgiveness  of  and  His  love  for  sinners. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  163 

LESSON  XXXVI. 

ST.  LUKE  XVI.  1-31 

1198.  Our  Lord  next  uttered  two  parables  of  warning. 
Relate  the  story  of  the  first,  that  of  the  Unjust  Steward. 

A  certain  rich  man  had  a  steward,  who  he  found  had 
wasted  his  goods.  And  he  called  him,  and  said  unto  him, 
"  What  is  this  that  I  hear  of  thee  ?  render  the  account  of 
thy  stewardship  ;  for  thou  canst  be  no  longer  steward/' 

1199.  What  did  the  steward  say  within  himself? 

"  What  shall  I  do,  seeing  that  my  lord  taketh  away 
the  stewardship  from  me  ?  I  have  not  strength  to  dig  ; 
to  beg  I  am  ashamed." 

1200.  Suddenly  an  idea  came  to  him  ;  a  way  of  pro- 
viding for  himself,  that  when  he  should  be  put  out  of 
the  stewardship,  he  might  be  received  into  the  houses 
of  the  debtors.     What  did  he  do  9 

Calling  to  him  each  one  of  his  lord's  debtors,  "  he  said 
to  the  first,  How  much  owest  thou  unto  my  lord? 
And  he  said,  A  hundred  measures  of  oil.  And  he  said 
unto  him,  Take  thy  bond,  and  sit  down  quickly,  and 
write  fifty."  (A  measure  of  oil  was  equal  to  nine  gal- 
lons.) 

1201.  What  did  the  steward  say  to  a  second  debtor  ? 

"  And  how  much  owest  thou  ?  And  he  said,  A  hun- 
dred measures  of  wheat.  He  saith  unto  him,  Take  thy 
bond,  and  write  fourscore/'  (A  measure  of  wheat  was 
equal  to  eight  or  ten  bushels.) 

1202.  What  was  the  steward's  object  in  doing  this  ? 
To  gain  the  gratitude  of  the  debtors,  hoping  they 

would  offer  him  a  home  when  he  should  be  turned  out 
of  his  place. 


164  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1203.  .  What  did  the  master  do  when  he  heard  how  his 
steward  had  acted  9 

He  commended  him,  because  he  had  done  "  wisely  ;  " 
that  is,  prudently,  cleverly  ;  his  master,  although  he  had 
found  out  his  wicked  tricks,  could  not  but  admire  him 
for  his  clever  scheme  of  securing  aid  for  himself  in  his 
need. 

1204.  What  is  meant  by  the  words  which  follow  the 
commendation  of  the  steward  by  his   lord:  "for  the 
children  of  this  world  are  in  their  generation  wiser  than 
the  children  of  light "  9 

"  The  bad  are  wiser  in  worldly  things  than  the  good 
in  heavenly."  "The  world  is  better  served  by  its  ser- 
vants than  God  is  by  His/' 

1205.  What  did  our  Lord  teach  His  disciples  by  this 
parable  9 

That  they  ought  to  copy  the  wisdom,  forethought, 
and  zeal  of  the  unjust  steward,  but  with  a  better  object ; 
that  is,  to  lay  up  treasures  in  heaven,  by  spending  time, 
thought,  and  money  here  on  earth  in  helping  the  poor 
and  needy. 

1206.  What  did  our    Lord    mean    when   He  said, 
"  Make  to  yourselves  friends  by  means  of  the  mammon 
of  unrighteousness  "  ?    (R.  V.) 

The  mammon  of  unrighteousness  means  simply 
worldly  riches.  Our  Lord  teaches  by  these  words 
that  we  should  make  to  ourselves  friends  by  the  gen- 
erous and  unselfish  use  of  riches,  in  order  that  by  so 
doing  we  may  lay  up  for  ourselves  treasures  in  heaven. 

1207.  What  did  our  Lord  say  when  He  had  finished 
this  parable  9 

"  No  servant  can  serve  two  masters  ;  for  either  he 
will  hate  the  one,  and  love  the  other ;  or  else  he  will 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  165 

hold  to  the  one  and  despise  the  other.    Ye  cannot  serve 
God  and  mammon." 

1208.  When  the  Pharisees,  who  were  lovers  of  money, 
heard  all  these  things,  what  did  they  do  ? 

They  scoffed  at  Him  with  open  insolence.  They 
thought  it  absurd  that  riches  were  a  hindrance  to  re- 
ligion, for  were,  they  not  rich  and  pious?  And  they 
laughed  at  the  humble  poverty  of  Jesus  and  His  dis- 
ciples. 

1209.  How  did  our  Lord  answer  their  derision  ? 

He  told  them  that,  although  they  put  on  an  appear- 
ance of  religion  which  might  deceive  men,  God,  who 
knew  their  evil  hearts,  could  not  be  deceived  by  their 
hypocrisy. 

1210.  Our  Lord  then  uttered  the  parable  of  the  Rich 
Man  and  Lazarus,  to  warn  the  Pharisees  against  the 
selfish,  unrighteous  use  of  their  riches.     How  does  the 
story  begin  9 

"  There  was  a  certain  rich  man,  which  was  clothed  in 
purple  and  fine  linen,  and  fared  sumptuously  every  day  ; 
and  there  was  a  certain  beggar,  named  Lazarus,  which 
was  laid  at  his  gate,  full  of  sores,  and  desiring  to  be 
fed  with  the  crumbs  which  fell  from  the  rich  man's 
table  ;  moreover  the  dogs  came  and  licked  his  sores." 

1211.  What  happened  to  the  two  men  ? 

The  beggar  died,  and  was  carried  by  the  angels  into 
Abraham's  bosom  ;  the  rich  man  also  died,  and  was 
buried  ;  and  in  Hades  he  lifted  up  his  eyes,  being  in 
torments,  and  seeth  Abraham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus  in 
his  bosom. 

1212.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  Hades  "? 
It  is  a  Greek  word,  meaning  the  place  of  departed 

spirits,  both  good  and  bad. 


166  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1213.  What  did  the  rich  man  say  to  Abraham  f 
"Father   Abraham,   have   mercy   on  me,   and   send 

Lazarus,  that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water, 
and  cool  my  tongue  ;  for  I  ani  tormented  in  this  flame." 

1214.  What  was  Abraham's  reply  ? 

"  Son,  remember  that  thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst 
thy  good  things,  and  likewise  Lazarus  evil  things ;  but 
now  he  is  comforted,  and  thou  art  tormented." 

1215.  What  else  did  he  say  f 

"  And  beside  all  this,  there  is  a  great  gulf  between  us, 
which  none  may  cross."  And  the  rich  man  then  begged 
that  Abraham  would  send  Lazarus  to  his  father's  house, 
for  he  had  five  brethren,  and  he  would  have  them 
warned,  lest  they  also  come  to  such  torment. 

1216.  What  did  Abraham  reply  ? 

"  They  have  Moses  and  the  prophets  ;  let  them  hear 
them."  But  the  rich  man  said,  "  If  one  go  to  them  from 
the  dead,  they  will  repent."  And  Abraham  replied, 
"  If  they  hear  not  Moses  and  the  prophets,  neither  will 
they  be  persuaded,  though  one  rose  from  the  dead." 

1217.  Why  is  the  rich  man  in  this  parable  sometimes 
called  "  Dives  "  ? 

"  Dives  "  is  simply  the  Latin  for  rich  man.  This  is 
the  only  parable  in  which  a  proper  name  (Lazarus) 
occurs. 

1218.  What  may  we  all  learn  from  this  parable  9 

To  lead  an  unselfish  life  :  if  we  are  blessed  with  riches 
and  worldly  advantages,  to  give  of  them  willingly  and 
cheerfully,  where  they  will  do  the  most  good. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  167 

LESSON  XXXVII. 

ST.  JOHN  XI.  1-38 

1219.  While  our  Lord  was  preaching  in  Perm,  what 
sorrow  came  to  the  home  of  his  friends  whom  He  loved, 
in  Bethany  of  Judea  ? 

Lazarus,  the  brother  of  Mary  and  Martha,  fell  sick. 

1220.  What  did  the  sisters  do  ? 

They  sent  a  messenger  to  Christ  at  Bethabara,  in 
Perea,  saying,  "Lord,  behold,  he  whom  thou  lovest  is 
sick." 

1221.  This  message  implied  their  belief  that  their  dear 
Master  would  do  something  to  help  them.     They  did  not 
ask  Him  to  come  ;  it  was  enough  simply  that  He  should 
know  of  their  distress.     What  did  our  Lord  say  when 
He  received  the  message  ? 

"  This  sickness  is  not  unto  death,  but  for  the  glory  of 
God,  that  the  Son  of  God  might  be  glorified  thereby." 

1222.  What  did  He  mean  ? 

He  knew  what  He  would  do.  This  sickness  would 
not  end  in  death,  though  Lazarus  would  die.  He  would 
raise  him  from  the  dead,  and  God  should  be  glorified, 
because  the  miracle  would  cause  many  to  believe. 

1223.  How  does  St.  John  tell  us  our  Lord  felt  toward 
Lazarus  and  his  two  sisters  ? 

"  Now  Jesus  loved  Martha,  and  her  sister,  and  Laz- 
arus/' 

1224.  What  did  our  Lord  do  after  receiving  the  mes- 
sage from  His  friends  ? 

He  remained  yet  two  days  in  Perea,  then  said  to  His 
disciples,  "Let  us  go  into  Judea  again." 


168  A    LIFE    OF   CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1225.  Wliy  did  His  disciples  object  to  this,  and  how 
did  Christ  reply  9 

His  disciples  said  to  Him,  "Master,  the  Jews  of  late 
sought  to  stone  thee  ;  and  goest  thou  thither  again  ?  " 
Jesus  answered,  "  Are  there  not  twelve  hours  in  the 
day  ?  If  any  man  walk  in  the  day,  he  stumbleth  not, 
because  he  seeth  the  light  of  the  world.  But  if  a  man 
walk  in  the  night,  he  stumbleth,  because  there  is  no 
light  in  him." 

1226.  What  did  He  mean  by  these  words  f 

That  there  are  twelve  hours  of  daylight,  when  a  man 
can  labor  without  fear  of  stumbling.  These  hours 
for  Him  were  not  yet  over,  and  His  night  could  not 
come  until  they  were.  In  other  words,  His  hour  had 
not  yet  come  ;  so  He  could  go  into  Judea  with  safety. 

1227.  What  did  He  then  say  ? 

"  Our  friend  Lazarus  sleepeth  ;  but  I  go,  that  I  may 
awake  him  out  of  sleep." 

1228.  JVo  message  had  been  sent  of  Lazarus'  death  ; 
but  our  Lord  Tcnew  of  it  without  being  told.     How  did 
the  disciples  reply  ? 

"Lord,  if  he  sleep,  he  shall  do  well."  They  thought 
Christ  meant  that  he  was  resting,  and  therefore  the 
crisis  of  the  disease  was  passed. 

1229.  What  did  Jesus  then  plainly  tell  them  9 

"  Lazarus  is  dead.  And  I  am  glad  for  your  sakes 
that  I  was  not  there,  to  the  intent  ye  may  believe  ; 
nevertheless  let  us  go  unto  him." 

1230.  Which  one  of  His  disciples  spoke,  and  what  did 
he  say  9 

Thomas,  which  is  called  Didymus,  said  unto  his  fel- 
low disciples,  "  Let  us  also  go,  that  we  may  die  with 
him." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  169 

1231.  What  can  you  say  of  Thomas,  ivho  thus  offered 
to  die  with  Christ  9 

Thomas  was  a  Hebrew  word,  Didymus  a  Greek  word, 
both  meaning  twin.  He  seems  to  have  been  devoted 
to  Christ,  but  despondent,  mournful,  and  inclined  to 
look  on  the  dark  side  of  things. 

1232.  They   then  started  for  Bethany;   when   they 
reached  there  what  did  they  find? 

That  Lazarus  had  been  in  his  tomb  four  days.  Prob- 
ably he  had  been  buried  the  day  he  died,  as  was  the 
custom  of  the  Jews. 

1233.  Who  had  come  to  console  Mary  and  Martha  for 
their  loss  ? 

Many  Jews  had  come  from  Jerusalem,  which  was 
only  two  miles  away,  to  offer  comfort  to  the  sisters.  • 

1284.  What  can  you  say  of  the  social  position  of  the 
family  9 

They  seem  to  have  been  wealthy,  influential,  and  well 
known. 

1235.  Who  in  the  household  first  heard  of  the  ap- 
proach of  Jesus  ? 

The  busy,  active  Martha  ;  and  she  went  out  to  meet 
Him.  The  quiet,  reserved  Mary  was  sitting  at  home, 
buried  in  her  grief,  and  did  not  know,  at  first,  of  Christ's 
approach. 

1236.  What  did  Martha  say  to  Jesus  when  she  saw 
Him? 

"  Lord,  if  thou  hadst  been  here,  my  brother  had  not 
died.  But  I  know,  that  even  now,  whatsoever  thou  wilt 
ask  of  God,  God  will  give  it  thee." 

1237.  This  was  not  a  reproach,  but  only  a  regret. 
The  faith  of  the  sisters  must  have  been  sorely  tried  by 
the  absence  of  their  dear  Lord,  during  their  sorrow. 
How  did  Christ  reply  to  Martha's  tvords  ? 


170  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  Thy  brother  shall  rise  again."  Martha  saith  unto 
Him,  "  I  know  that  he  shall  rise  again  in  the  resurrec- 
tion at  the  last  day/' 

1238.  With  what  beautiful  and  ivell-known  words  did 
our  Lord  reply  to  Martha  ? 

"  I  am  the  resurrection,  and  the  life  :  he  that  believ- 
eth  in  me,  though  he  were  dead,  yet  shall  he  live  :  and 
whosoever  liveth  and  believeth  in  me  shall  never  die. 
Believest  thou  this  ?  " 

1239.  What  did  Martha  reply  9 

"  Yea,  Lord  :  I  believe  that  thou  art  the  Christ,  the 
Son  of  God,  which  should  come  into  the  world."  And 
she  then  went  and  told  Mary  that  the  Master  had  come, 
and  was  asking  for  her. 

1240.  What  did  Mary  then  do  ? 

She  arose  quickly  and  went  to  Him  ;  and  the  friends 
who  were  with  her  in  the  house,  thinking  she  was  going 
to  her  brother's  tomb  to  weep,  followed  her. 

1241.  What  did  she  do  when  she  reached  the  place 
ivhere  Jesus  was  ? 

She  fell  at  His  feet,  saying,  "  Lord,  if  thou  hadst 
been  here,  my  brother  had  not  died." 

1242.  When  Jesus  saw  her  weeping,  and  her  friends 
also  weeping  with  her,  what  did  He  do  ? 

"He  groaned  in  the  spirit,  and  was  troubled,  and 
said,  Where  have  ye  laid  him  ?  They  said  unto  him, 
Lord,  come  and  see.  Jesus  wept." 

1243.  What  did  the  Jews  say  when  they  beheld  Jesus 
weeping  f 

"  Behold  how  he  loved  him  !  And  some  of  them 
said,  Could  not  this  man,  which  opened  the  eyes  of  the 
blind,  have  caused  that  even  this  man  should  not  have 
died?" 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  171 

1244.  Jesus,  again  groaning,  approached  the  tomb, 
followed  by  the  two  sisters  and  the  friends  of  Lazarus. 
Where  was  he  buried  f 

As  the  family  were  rich,  they  owned  a  tomb  in  which 
to  bury  their  dead.  It  was  outside  the  town,  as  was  the 
custom  in  the  East. 

1245.  What  can  you  say  of  the  tomb  ? 

It  was  a  cave,  like  most  of  the  family  vaults  of  the 
Jews.  They  were  sometimes  natural,  sometimes  hewn 
from  the  rock.  Within  were  recesses  or  niches  in  the 
sides,  to  receive  the  bodies.  Sometimes  there  were  two 
chambers,  one  beyond  the  other. 

1246.  How  were  these  tombs  entered  f 

On  a  level,  or  often  there  was  a  descent  of  a  few 
steps,  as  was  probably  the  case  in  this  instance,  the 
stone  being  said  to  lie  on  the  tomb. 

1247.  Why  was  there  always  a  stone  laid  at  the  en- 
trance of  these  tombs  ? 

To  keep  out  wild  beasts,  especially  the  jackals,  which 
would  otherwise  have  entered  and  devoured  the  bodies. 


LESSON  XXXVIII. 
ST.  JOHN  XI.  39-54  ;  ST.  LUKE  XVII.  11-19 

1248.  Upon  reaching  the  tomb  of  Lazarus,  what  order 
did  Jesus  give,  and  why  did  Martha  object  9 

Jesus  said,  "  Take  ye  away  the  stone."  Martha  ob- 
jected, because  her  brother  had  been  buried  four  days. 

1249.  How  did  our  Lord  answer  her  objection  f 

"  Said  I  not  unto  thee,  that  if  thou  wouldest  believe, 
thou  shouldest  see  the  glory  of  God  ?  "  So  they  took 
away  the  stone. 


172  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE 

1250.  What  did  Jesus  then  do  ? 

He  lifted  up  His  eyes  and  said,  "Father,  I  thank 
thee  that  thou  hast  heard  me.  And  I  knew  that  thou 
hearest  me  always  :  but  because  of  the  people  which 
stand  by  I  said  it,  that  they  may  believe  that  thou 
hast  sent  me." 

1251.  He  meant  that  He  prayed  to  God,  not  for  His 
own  need,  but  to  prove  to  the  people  that  His  power  was 
from  God,  and  not  from  the  evil  one.      What  did  our 
Lord  do  next  ? 

"  When  he  thus  had  spoken,  he  cried  with  a  loud 
voice,  Lazarus,  come  forth." 

1252.  What  happened  then  ? 

"  He  that  was  dead  came  forth,  bound  hand  and  foot 
with  graveclothes  ;  and  his  face  was  bound  about  with 
a  napkin." 

1253.  How  were  the  bodies  prepared  for  burial  in 
those  days  ? 

They  were  bound  loosely  in  white  linen  bands,  some- 
times each  limb  and  every  finger  having  its  own  wrap- 
pings. These  bandages  kept  the  sheet  and  precious 
ointments  and  spices  round  the  body.  They  might 
hinder  motion,  but  not  prevent  it  entirely. 

1254.  How  were  the  Jews  affected  by  this  marvellous 
miracle  9 

Many  believed  on  Him.  But  some  of  them  went  to 
the  Pharisees  and  told  them  the  things  which  Jesus 
had  done. 

1255.  This  was  the  third  recorded  miracle  of  raising 
the  dead  ;  what  were  the  other  two,  and  where  did  they 
take  place  ? 

The  first  was  the  raising  of  the  widow's  son  at  Nain  ; 
the  second,  that  of  Jairus's  daughter  at  Capernaum. 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  173 

Both  of   these   towns  were   in   Galilee,  and  far  from 
Jerusalem. 

1256.  This  was  therefore  the  first  miracle  of  the  kind 
performed  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Jerusalem. 

What  was  the  result  9 

The  poorer  class  of  people  were  wild  with  excite- 
ment. The  news  spread  rapidly  through  the  city,  and 
every  one  was  talking  of  it. 

1257.  What  did  the  chief  priests,  Pharisees,  and  Sad- 
ducees  do  ? 

They  called  a  meeting  of  the  Sanhedrin  to  discuss 
what  they  should  do.  They  were  obliged  to  admit  that 
Christ  did  many  miracles  ;  but  this  did  not  cause  them 
to  believe  ;  it  only  increased  their  bitter  hatred  and 
jealousy. 

1258.  What  did  they  fear  9 

That  if  they  allowed  Christ  to  continue  His  wonder- 
ful ministry,  all  would  believe  on  Him,  and  make  Him 
their  king.  By  doing  this,  the  vengeance  of  the 
Romans  would  be  aroused,  and  they  might  destroy 
their  Temple  and  their  whole  nation. 

1259.  What  did  one  of  the  Sanhedrin  propose  9 
That  it  would  be  better  that  one  man,  Christ,  should 

die  for  the  people,  than  that  the  whole  nation  should 
perish. 

1260.  Which  member  of  the  Sanhedrin  proposed  this, 
and  what  can  you  say  of  him  9 

Caiaphas,  the  High  Priest.  He  was  a  Sadducee,  and 
had  married  the  daughter  of  the  former  High  Priest, 
Annas.  He  had  filled  the  position  from  A.D.  18  to  36. 
He  was  a  hard,  cruel,  crafty  man. 

1261.  What  can  you  say  of  the  office  of  High  Priest  9 
It  had  long  since  ceased  to  descend  from  father  to 


174  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

son.  The  office  was  really  for  life,  but  the  Romans 
interfered,  and  often  set  up  their  own  favorites,  turn- 
ing out  those  who  displeased  them. 

1262.  When  the  wicked  Caiaphas  spoke  these  words, 
he  uttered  a  distinct  prophecy  of  the  Redemption  or 
saving  of  the  world  ~by  the  death  of  Christ.     He  was  a 
prophet  ivithout  knowing  or  meaning  it.      In  conse- 
quence of  his  suggestion,  what  did  the  Sanhedrin  de- 
cide 9 

That  Jesus  should  die.  The  question  was,  how  to 
get  the  sentence  executed,  as  it  must  be  pronounced  by 
the  Roman  governor. 

1263.  Thus  the  raising  of  Lazarus  was  an  important 
influence  in   causing  the  trial  and  crucifixion  of  our 
Lord.      When  He  heard  of  the  decision  of  the  Sanhe- 
drin, what  did  He  do  ? 

Knowing  that,  although  His  hour  was  at  hand,  it 
was  not  yet  come,  He  retired  with  His  disciples  "  into 
the  country  near  to  the  wilderness,  into  a  city  called 
Ephraim." 

1264.  What  can  you  say  of  Ephraim  ? 

The  exact  spot  where  this  city  stood  is  unknown. 
It  was  probably  in  the  hill  country  northeast  of  Jeru- 
salem, in  the  direction  of  Jericho,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  river  Jordan. 

1265.  After  remaining  in  Ephraim  a  short  time,  in 
quiet  and  seclusion,  whither  did  He  go  ? 

He  commenced  a  farewell  journey  along  the  borders 
of  Samaria  and  Galilee. 

1266.  As  He  entered  a  certain  village,  who  met  Him  9 
Ten  men  who  were  lepers  ;  and  they  stood  afar  off, 

for  they  dared  not  approach,  since  to  do  so  was  pollu- 
tion. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  175 

1267.  In  hoarse,  harsh  tones,  luhat  did  they  cry  9 

"  Jesus,  Master,  have  mercy  on  us."  And  when  He 
saw  them,  He  said,  "Go  shew  yourselves  unto  the 
priests/* 

1268.  What  was  the  result? 

"  And  it  came  to  pass,  that,  as  they  went,  they  were 
cleansed."  The  healing  took  place  when  they  had 
shown  their  faith  by  starting  on  their  way  to  obey 
Christ's  command. 

1269.  When  they  felt  returning  health  and  strength, 
what  did  one  of  the  ten  do  9 

He  turned  back,  and  fell  on  his  face  at  Jesus'  feet, 
giving  Him  thanks ;  and  he  was  a  Samaritan. 

1270.  The  common  misery  of  leprosy  had  brought 
together  the  Jews  and  this  Samaritan,   who  otherwise 
would  have  been  bitter  enemies.      When  our  Lord  saw 
the  man  at  His  feet,  what  did  He  say? 

"  Were  there  not  ten  cleansed  ?  but  where  are  the 
nine  ?  were  there  none  found  that  returned  to  give 
glory  to  God,  save  this  stranger?  And  he  said  unto 
him,  Arise,  go  thy  way :  thy  faith  hath  made  thee 
whole/' 

1271.  Ingratitude  is  a  common  vice,  and  our  Lord 
knew  it  well.     Why  then  was  He  moved  to  such  sorrow- 
ful amazement  ? 

Because  only  one  of  the  ten  whom  He  had  cured  of 
so  terrible  a  disease  had  even  had  the  grace  to  return 
and  thank  Him. 


176  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON   XXXIX. 

ST.  LUKE  XVII.  20-37  ;  XVIII.  1-27  ;    ST.  MATT.  XIX.  13-26 ; 
ST.  MARK  X.  13-27 

1272.  When  some  of  the  Pharisees  asked  Christ  when 
the  Kingdom  of  God  cometh,  what  did  He  tell  them  9 

That  they  were  mistaken  in  looking  for  an  outward 
or  worldly  kingdom  ;  it  would  come  in  the  hearts  of 
men,  had  already  come  to  some,  while  they  were  watch- 
ing for  great  external  signs. 

1273.  What  parable  did  our  Lord  then  utter,  teach- 
ing, like  the  parable  of  the  Friend  at  Midnight,  that 
men  ought  always  to  pray,  and  not  to  faint? 

The  parable  of  the  Unjust  Judge. 

1274.  What  is  meant  %  "always  to  pray  and  not  to 
faint "  9 

It  does  not  mean  that  we  must  be  always  on  our 
knees,  in  the  outward  act  of  praying  ;  but  that  we 
should  have  the  true  spirit  of  prayer  ever  in  our  hearts  ; 
and  never  be  discouraged,  even  though  we  seem  to  re- 
ceive no  answer. 
.  1275.  What  is  the  story  of  the  Unjust  Judge  f 

"There  was  in  a  city  a  judge,  which  feared  not  God, 
neither  regarded  man  ;-and  there  was  a  widow  in  that 
city  ;  and  she  came  unto  him,  saying,  Avenge  me  of 
mine  adversary." 

1276.  Widows  in  the  East  were  most  defenceless  and 
oppressed.  The  request  in  this  case  was  not  so  much  for 
revenge  as  for  justice.  Did  the  judge  grant  her  peti- 
tion ? 

At  first  he  would  not ;  "  but  afterward  he  said  within 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  177 

himself,  Though  I  fear  not  God,  nor  regard  man,  yet 
because  this  widow  troubleth  me,  I  will  avenge  her,  lest 
by  her  continual  coming  she  weary  me." 

1277.  Why  was  he  an  unjust  or  unrighteous  judge  ? 

Because  his  motive  was  wrong.  He  granted  the  re- 
quest of  the  poor  widow,  not  from  the  highest  motive, 
the  fear  of  God,  nor  even  for  fear  of  the  world,  but 
simply  for  the  selfish  reason  that  he  did  not  wish  to  be 
wearied  by  her  constant  coming. 

1278.  What  lesson  did  our  Lord  teach  ? 

That  if  an  unjust  judge  grants  a  petition,  how  much 
more  will  our  just  and  heavenly  Father  grant  the  peti- 
tions of  those  whom  He  loves. 

1279.  Our   Lord  then  spake  unto   them  the  parable 
of  the  Pharisee  and  the  Publican.     To  whom  was  it 
particularly  addressed  ? 

To  those  who  trusted  in  their  own  righteousness, 
while  they  despised  others. 

1280.  What  is  the  parable  f 

"  Two  men  went  up  into  the  temple  to  pray  ;  the  one 
a  Pharisee,  and  the  other  a  publican. " 

1281.  It  was  customary  for  the  Jews  to  stand  while 
praying.     Apart  from  the  publican,  too  haughty  even  to 
touch  him,  the  Pharisee  stood.     His  prayer  was  not  a 
prayer,  or  even  a  true  thanksgiving,  but  only  a  vain 
boast.     What  did  he  say  V 

"  God,  I  thank  thee,  that  I  am  not  as  other  men  are." 
He  then  went  on  to  tell  God  what  bad  things  he  had 
not  done,  and  what  good  things  he  had  done. 

1282.  He  may  have  done  good  deeds,  but  his  pride 
turned  the  good  into   evil.     What  was  the  publican's 
prayer  ? 

He  stood  afar  off,  not  even  lifting  his  eyes  to  heaven, 
12 


178  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

but  with  bowed  head,  beating  his  breast,  he  said,  "  God 
be  merciful  to  me  a  sinner." 

1283.  What  did  our  Lord  say  of  the  two  men  9 
That  the  publican  went  to  his  home  "justified,"  or 

pardoned  and  blessed,  while  the  Pharisee's  prayer  was 
not  accepted. 

1284.  What  lesson  did  He  add? 

"  Every  one  that  exalteth  himself  shall  be  abased  ; 
and  he  that  humbleth  himself  shall  be  exalted."  The 
Pharisee  was  "  abased/'  receiving  no  blessing  from 
God  ;  the  publican  was  "exalted,"  receiving  pardon 
and  peace. 

1285.  Our  Lord  still  lingered  in  Perea,  east  of  the 
river  Jordan.      Who  were  brought  to  Him  one  day,  and 
with  what  request  ? 

"  Then  were  there  brought  unto  him  little  children, 
that  he  should  put  his  hands  on  them  and  pray/' 

1286.  How  did  the  disciples  act  when  they  saw  it  9 
They  rebuked  the  mothers  who  had  longed  to  have 

the  dear  Lord  touch  their  little  ones  and  bless  them  ; 
and  they  would  have  sent  them  away,  thinking  their 
Master  had  no  time  to  give  to  children. 

1287.  Jesus  was  displeased  with  His  disciples  for 
thus  interfering.     What  did  He  say,  and  what  did  He 
do  9 

"  Suffer  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
them  not :  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  God."  And 
He  took  them  up  in  His  arms,  put  His  hands  upon  them, 
and  blessed  them. 

1288.  What  did  He  say  to  those  standing  around  9 

"  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  Whosoever  shall  not  receive 
the  kingdom  of  God  as  a  little  child,  he  shall  not  enter 
therein." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  179 

1289.  As  Jesus  continued  on  His  way,  who  came  run- 
ning, and  kneeled  at  His  feet,  and  what  question  did  he 
ask? 

A  rich  young  ruler,  probably  a  ruler  of  the  syna- 
gogue, came  and  asked  Him,  "  Good  Master,  what  shall 
I  do  to  inherit  eternal  life  ?  " 

1290.  How  did  Jesus  reply  ? 

"  Why  callest  thou  me  good  ?  There  is  none  good 
but  one  ;  that  is,  God.  Thou  knowest  the  command- 
ments." 

1291.  What  did  the  young  man  say  to  this  9 

"  All  these  things  have  I  kept  from  my  youth  up  ; 
what  lack  I  yet  ?  " 

1292.  Did  he  say  this  in  a  spirit  of  self -righteousness, 
like  a  Pharisee  ? 

No ;  he  was  honest  and  earnest,  and  was  only 
unconscious  that  he  thought  too  much  of  his  riches. 

1293.  How  did  Jesus  regard  him,  and  what  did  He 
tell  him  to  do? 

"  Jesus  beholding  him,  loved  him,  and  said  unto  him, 
One  thing  thou  lackest :  go  and  sell  that  thou  hast,  and 
give  to  the  poor,  and  thou  shalt  have  treasure  in  heaven  ; 
and  come,  follow  me." 

1294.  How  did  the  Jews  regard  riches  ? 

They  were  lovers  of  money,  and  thought  if  a  man 
were  rich  it  proved  that  he  must  be  good,  and  if  he 
were  poor  it  was  because  he  had  sinned. 

1295.  How  did  the  young  man  receive  Christ's  words  ? 

"  He  went  away  sorrowful,  for  he  had  great  posses- 
sions/' It  was  very  hard  for  him  to  give  up  his 
worldly  riches  that  he  might  win  treasures  in  heaven. 

1296.  It  was  a  terrible  surprise,  that,  in  order  to 
follow  Christ,  he  must  become  poor,  a  beggar;  never- 


180  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

theless,  as  we  are  not  told  positively  by  either  St.  Mat- 
thew, St.  Mark,  or  St.  Luke,  that  he  did  not  do  as  he 
was  bid,  it  is  possible  that,  although  he  was  sorrowful, 
lie  obeyed  Christ's  command.  What  did  our  Lord  then 
say  about  rich  men  9 

When  He  saw  that  the  young  man  was  very  sorrow- 
ful, He  said,  "  How  hardly  shall  they  that  have  riches 
enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God  !  It  is  easier  for  a 
camel  to  go  through  the  eye  of  a  needle,  than  for  a  rich 
man  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of  God." 

1297.  What  does  the  saying  about  the  camel  and  the 
needle's  eye  mean  9 

Some  think  the  expression  refers  to  the  side  gate, 
close  to  the  principal  gate  of  the  city,  usually  called 
the  "  eye  of  a  needle  "  in  the  East.  But  it  was  more 
probably  an  Eastern  proverb  used  to  express  anything 
very  difficult  or  impossible. 

1298.  How  did  the  disciples  receive  His  words  9 
They  were  exceedingly  amazed,  saying,  "  Who  then 

can  be  saved  ?  "  And  He  said,  "  The  things  which 
are  impossible  with  men,  are  possible  with  God." 

LESSON   XL. 

ST.  MATT.  XIX.  27-30  ;  ST.  MARK  X.  28-52  ;  ST.  LUKE  XVIII. 
28^3  ;  ST.  MATT.  XX.  1-34 

1299.  What  did  St.  Peter  ask  of  our  Lord  9 

"  Behold,  we  have  forsaken  all  and  followed  thee  ; 
what  shall  we  have  therefore  ?  " 

1300.  What  did  our  Lord  reply  9 

"  When  the  Son  of  man  shall  sit  in  the  throne  of  his 
glory,  ye  also  shall  sit  upon  twelve  thrones,  judging 
the  twelve  tribes  of  Israel." 


A    LIFE    OF   CHRIST   FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  181 

1301.  What  did  He  promise  to  every  one  who  should 
leave  all  to  follow  Him  9 

He  promised  that  they  should  receive  an  hundred 
fold,  and  should  inherit  eternal  life.  But  He  added, 
"  Many  that  are  first  shall  be  last  ;  and  the  last  shall 
be  first." 

1302.  What  parable  did  our  Lord  then  utter)  to  teach 
us  not  to  look  upon  God  as  our  debtor  because  we  have 
worked  for  Him,  and  not  to  be  envious  of  His  favor  to 
others  whom  we  may  think  not  so  worthy  as  ourselves  9 

The  parable  of  the  Laborers  in  the  Vineyard. 

1303.  How  does  the  story  begin  ? 

"  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that  is 
an  householder,  which  went  out  early  in  the  morning 
to  hire  labourers  into  his  vineyard." 

1304.  What  agreement  did  he  make  with  the  laborers? 
He  agreed  with  them  for  a  penny  a  day,  and  sent 

them  into  his  vineyard.  A  penny  was  equal  to  about 
fifteen  cents,  and  was  the  usual  pay  for  a  day's  work. 

1305.  What  did  the  owner  of  the  vineyard  do  next  ? 
He  went  out  again,  about  the  third  hour,  and  saw 

some  other  laborers  standing  idle  in  the  market-place, 
and  he  sent  them  also  into  his  vineyard  to  work, 
promising  to  pay  them  what  was  right. 

1306.  What  hour  was  the  third  hour  9 

About  nine  o'clock.  The  Jewish  day  began  at  sun- 
rise, or  about  six  o'clock. 

1307.  What  else  did  the  man  do  9 

He  went  out  again,  about  the  sixth  hour,  or  noon,  and 
the  ninth  hour,  or  three  o'clock,  and  did  likewise. 

1308.  What  did  he  do  at  the  eleventh  hour,  or  about 
five  o'clock  9 

He  went  out  again,  and  "  found  others  standing  idle, 


182  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

and  saith  unto  them,  Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day 
idle  ?  "  And  they  said,  "  Because  no  man  hath  hired 
us/'  And  he  sent  them  also  to  work  in  his  vineyard. 

1309.  When  the  evening  was  come,  what  did  the  lord 
of  the  vineyard  say  to  his  steward,  and  what  followed  9 

He  told  him  to  call  the  laborers  and  pay  them, 
beginning  with  the  last  ones  hired  ;  and  when  they 
came,  who  began  to  work  at  the  eleventh  hour,  they 
each  received  a  penny. 

1310.  When  they  who  were  hired  first  came,  what  did 
they  suppose  ? 

That  they  should  have  more  ;  but  they  received  only 
a  penny  also.  They  therefore  murmured  against  the 
lord,  because  the  laborers  who  had  worked  but  one  hour 
had  been  paid  as  much  as  they  who  had  borne  the  bur- 
den and  heat  of  the  day. 

1311.  How  did  the  lord  answer  one  of  them  who 
murmured  ? 

"  Friend,  I  do  thee  no  wrong  :  didst  not  thou  agree 
with  me  for  a  penny  ?  Take  that  is  thine,  and  go  thy 
way :  I  will  give  unto  this  last,  even  as  unto  thee.  Is 
it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  I  will  with  mine  own  ? 
is  thine  eye  evil  (that  is,  envious)  because  I  am  good  ?  " 

1312.  As  they  approached  Jerusalem,  Jesus  took  His 
disciples  apart,  and  for  the  third  time  He  told  them  that 
He  should  be  betrayed  to  the  chief  priests  and  scribes. 
What  terrible,  startling  thing  did  He  then  reveal  to 
them  for  the  first  time,  and  how  were  they  affected  f 

He  told  them  He  should  be  mocked,  scourged,  and 
crucified.  And  they  were  amazed  and  afraid  ;  but  they 
could  not  understand.  They  still  hoped  that  God's 
kingdom  would  come  in  worldly  splendor,  and  their 
dear  Master  would  wear  an  earthly  crown. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  183 

1313.  Who  came  to  Him  worshipping,  and  what  did 
site  request  ? 

Salome,  the  mother  of  John  and  James,  and  she  said 
to  Him,  "Grant  that  these  my  two  sons  may  sit,  the 
one  on  thy  right  hand,  and  the  other  on  the  left,  in  thy 
kingdom." 

1314.  By  His  replying  to  the  sons  directly,  we  see 
that  Jesus  looked  upon  the  request  as  coming  from  them 
rather   than  from   the  mother.      What  did  our  Lord 
answer  ? 

"  Ye  know  not  what  ye  ask.  Are  ye  able  to  drink  of 
the  cup  that  I  shall  drink  of,  and  be  baptized  with  the 
baptism  that  I  am  baptized  with  ? "  They  said  unto 
Him,  "  We  are  able." 

1315.  They  did  not  indeed  know,  that,  to  be  glorified 
with  Him,  they  must  suffer  with  Him.      What  did  He 
promise  them  9 

That  they  should  drink  of  the  cup  and  be  baptized 
with  His  baptism.  He  rebuked  them  gently,  for  He 
knew  what  the  two  brothers  were  to  suffer.  (St.  James 
was  slain  by  the  sword,  and  St.  John  suffered  much 
persecution,  but  died  a  natural  death.) 

1316.  When  the  other  ten  Apostles  heard  all  this,  how 
did  they  feel  f 

"  They  were  moved  with  indignation  against  the  two 
brethren." 

1317.  Our  Lord  was  filled  with  sorrow,  that  there 
should  be  this  envy  and  jealousy  among  the  Twelve ; 
when  He  had  called  them  to  Him,  what  did   He  teach 
them  ? 

That  he  who  would  win  the  chief  place  in  the 
heavenly  kingdom  must  here  be  the  servant  of  all. 
"  Even  the  Son  of  man  came  not  to  be  ministered  unto, 


184  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

but   to   minister,  and   to   give   his  life  a   ransom  for 
many/' 

1318.  Our  Lord  with  His  disciples  crossed  over  the 
Jordan  from  Perea  unto  Judea.     As  they  approached 
the  city  of  Jericho,  whom  did  they  see  sitting  by  the 
ivayside  begging  ? 

Blind  Bartimeus.  St.  Matthew  mentions  two  blind 
men  ;  St.  Mark  and  St.  Luke,  only  one — possibly  be- 
cause he  was  the  better  known,  and  was  the  speaker. 

1319.  When  Bartimeus  heard  the  noise  of  the  multi- 
tude passing,  he  asked  what  it  meant;  what  was  he  told 
in  reply,  and  what  did  he  do  ? 

He  was  told  that  Jesus  of  Nazareth  was  passing  by  ; 
and  he  cried,  "  Jesus,  thou  son  of  David,  have  mercy 
on  me." 

1320.  How  was  he  reproved  for  this  ? 

Those  who  led  the  crowd  rebuked  him  and  told  him 
to  "hold  his  peace."  But  he  only  cried  the  more, 
"Thou  son  of  David,  have  mercy  on  me." 

1321.  What  did  Jesus  do  9 

He  stood  still  and  commanded  him  to  be  brought  to 
Him.  And  some  one  went  to  Bartimeus  and  said,  "  Be 
of  good  comfort,  rise  ;  he  calleth  thee."  So  the  man 
cast  aside  his  garment  and  went  to  Jesus. 

1322.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  him  ? 

"  What  wilt  thou  that  I  should  do  unto  thee  ?  "  And 
the  blind  man  replied,  "  Lord,  that  I  might  receive  my 
sight." 

1323.  How  did  Jesus  answer  9 

. "  Go  thy  way  ;  thy  faith  hath  made  thee  whole." 
And  immediately  he  received  his  sight.  And  he  fol- 
lowed Jesus,  glorifying  God. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  185 


LESSON  XLI. 

ST.  LUKE  XIX.  1-28;  ST.  JOHN  XI.  55-57;  XII.  1-11  ;   ST. 
MATT.  XXVI.  G-13;  ST.  MARK  XIV.  3-9 

1324.  Jesus,  and  the  multitude  following  Him,  were 
now  at  the  gates  of  Jericho.      What  can  you  say  of  that 
city  ? 

It  was  a  rich  and  beautiful  city,  situated  seventeen 
miles  northeast  of  Jerusalem,  in  a  fertile  plain  abound- 
ing in  palm-trees,  which  yielded  large  quantities  of 
balsam.  It  was  the  first  place  taken  by  the  Israelites 
when  they  entered  Canaan  in  the  time  of  Joshua. 
Since  then,  it  had  been  destroyed  and  rebuilt  two  or 
three  times. 

1325.  What  rich  man  lived  in  Jericho  ? 
Zaccheus,  a  publican  or  tax-gatherer. 

1326.  What  did  he  do  ? 

He  was  anxious  to  see  Jesus  as  He  passed  ;  but  as  he 
was  a  very  short  man,  he  was  unable  to  see  because  of 
the  crowd.  So  he  climbed  up  into  a  sycamore  tree,  to 
wait  until  Jesus  should  come  that  way.  (The  sycamore 
mentioned  by  St.  Luke  is  not  the  same  as  ours,  but  the 
Egyptian  fig-tree,  with  low,  spreading  branches,  very 
easy  to  climb.) 

1327.  When  Jesus  arrived  at  the  place,  what  did  He 


He  looked  up  into  the  tree,  and  when  He  saw 
Zaccheus  He  said  to  him,  "  Zaccheus,  make  haste,  and 
come  down  ;  for  to-day  I  must  abide  at  thy  house." 

1328.  How  did  Zaccheus  receive  these  words  ? 

He  came  down  with  haste,  and  joyfully  welcomed  the 
Saviour  as  his  guest. 


186  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1329.  What  did  the  multitude  think  f 

They  all  began  to  murmur  aloud,  because  He  had 
consented  to  be  a  guest  of  a  man  who  was  a  "  sinner." 

1330.  Why  did  they  call  Zaccheus  a  "  sinner  "  ? 
Simply  because  he  was  one  of  the  hated  and  despised 

publicans  or  tax-gatherers. 

1331.  It  was  to  rebuke  this  unworthy  feeling,  that  our 
Lord  proposed  to  enter  the  publican's  house.     Zaccheus 
was  deeply  touched  by  Christ's  condescension  and  kind- 
ness.    In  his  joy,  what  promise  did  he  make  ? 

"  Behold,  Lord,  the  half  of  my  goods  I  give  to  the 
poor;  and  if  I  have  taken  any  thing  from  any  man  by 
false  accusation,  I  restore  him  fourfold." 

1332.  What  did  our  Lord  say  ? 

"  This  day  is  salvation  come  to  this  house."  "  For 
the  Son  of  man  is  come  to  seek  and  to  save  that  which 
was  lost." 

1333.  While  at  Zaccheus"1  house,  what  parable  did  our 
Lord  utter  ? 

The  parable  of  the  Pounds. 

1334.  How  does  the  story  begin  ? 

A  certain  nobleman  went  to  a  far  country,  there  to 
receive  authority  to  reign  over  his  kingdom.  (Thus 
Archelaus,  son  of  Herod  the  Great,  was  obliged  to  go 
to  Home,  to  be  made  king  of  Judea,  after  his  father's 
death.) 

1335.  Before  starting  on  his  journey,  what  did  he  do  ? 
He  called  ten  of  his  servants  to  him,  and  giving  them 

each  a  pound  (or  mina,  equal  to  seventeen  dollars),  he 
told  them  to  use  the  money  in  trading  while  he  was 
gone. 

1336.  What  did  his  citizens  do  ? 

They  hated  him,  and  sent  a  messenger  after  him, 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  187 

saying,  "  We  will  not  have  this  man  to  reign  over  us." 
(It  is  remarkable  that  the  Jews  sent  to  Rome  to  beg 
that  Archelaus  might  not  be  their  king.  It  is  interest- 
ing to  notice  how  Jesus  thus  used  any  social  or  political 
event  of  that  time  as  a  suggestion  for  His  parables.) 

1337.  When  the  nobleman  in  the  parable  returned, 
having  received  the  kingdom,  what  did  he  command  9 

That  the  servants  to  whom  he  had  given  the  money 
should  be  called  to  him,  that  he  might  know  how  much 
every  man  had  gained  by  trading. 

1338.  What  did  the  first  servant  say  9 

"Lord,  thy  pound  hath  gained  ten  pounds/'  And 
the  nobleman  said,  "  Well,  thou  good  servant  :  because 
thou  hast  been  faithful  in  a  very  little,  have  thou  au- 
thority over  ten  cities." 

1339.  What  account  did  the  second  servant  give  ? 
"Lord,  thy  pound  hath  gained  five  pounds/'     And 

he  said  likewise  to  him,  "  Be  thou  also  over  five  cities." 

1340.  What  did  a  third  say  ? 

"  Lord,  behold,  here  is  thy  pound,  which  I  have  kept 
laid  up  in  a  napkin  ;  for  I  feared  thee,  because  thou 
art  an  austere  man." 

1341.  What  did  the  nobleman  do  f 

He  was  angry  that  the  man  had  made  no  use  of  his 
money,  and  had  brought  him  no  interest.  So  he  took 
from  him  the  pound  and  gave  to  him  who  had  ten 
pounds. 

1342.  Why  did  our  Lord  utter  this  parable  ? 
Because  the  disciples  still  expected  that  His  kingdom 

would  soon  be  openly  manifested.  He  wished  to  teach 
them  patient  waiting  and  working  for  Him  during  the 
time  of  His  absence,  which  was  soon  to  come. 

1343.  From  Jericho,   our  Lord  and  Hfs  disciples 


188  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

travelled  slowly  up  the  rocky  road  leading  to  Jerusalem. 
When  did  tliey  reacli  Bethany  ? 
Six  days  before  the  Feast  of  the  Passover. 

1344.  While  there,  what  was  given  in  His  honor  ? 
A.  supper,  at  the  house  of  Simon  the  Leper. 

1345.  Why  was  he  catted  Simon  the  Leper  ? 
Possibly,  having  been  cured  of  leprosy  by  Jesus,  he 

was  thus  called,  to  distinguish  him  from  others  of  the 
same  name. 

1346.  Whose  friend  was  he  ? 

He  was  a  friend  of  Martha,  Mary,  and  Lazarus,  be- 
cause St.  John  tells  us  that  Martha  served,  and  Lazarus 
and  Mary  were  there  also. 

1347.  To  shoiv  her  love  of  Him,  what  did  Mary  do  to 
our  Lord,  as  He  reclined  at  table  9 

She  had  an  alabaster  box  of  very  costly  ointment  (it 
has  been  estimated  that  its  value  was  one  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars).  With  this  ointment  she  anointed  the 
head  and  feet  of  our  Lord,  and  wiped  His  feet  with  her 
hair  ;  and  the  house  was  filled  with  the  fragrance  of 
the  ointment. 

1348.  Who  found  fault  with  this  act  of  devotion,  and 
why  f 

Judas  Iscariot  said,  "  To  what  purpose  is  this  waste  ? 
For  this  ointment  might  have  been  sold  for  much,  and 
given  to  the  poor."  Not  that  he  cared  for  the  poor, 
but  he  carried  the  purse  for  the  Twelve,  and,  being  a 
thief,  he  stole  from  it  for  his  own  use. 

1349.  What  was  our  Lord's  answer  to  these  ivords  ? 

"  Let  her  alone  ;  why  trouble  ye  her  ?  she  hath 
wrought  a  good  work  on  me.  For  ye  have  the  poor 
with  you  always,  and  whensoever  ye  will  ye  may  do 
them  good*:  but  me  ye  have  not  always." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  189 

1350.  From  this  time,  what  did  Judas  resolve  to  do  f 
To  betray  hrs  Master  ;  and  he  waited  only  the  oppor- 
tunity for  doing  so. 

1351.  When  the  people  of  Jerusalem  heard  that  Christ 
was  in  Bethany,  what  did  they  do  ? 

They  went  there  not  only  to  see  Him,  but  to  see 
Lazarus  whom  He  had  raised  from  the  dead.  And  they 
sought  to  put  Lazarus  to  death  because,  by  reason  of 
him,  many  Jews  believed. 


LESSON  XLII. 

ST.  MATT.  XXI.  1-11, 17-19  ;  ST.  MARK  XI.  1-14  ;  ST.  LUKE  XIX. 
29-44  ;  ST.  JOHN  XII.  12-19 

1352.  From  Bethany  our  Lord  started  for  His  trium- 
phal entry  into  Jerusalem.     Through  what  city  did  they 
pass,  and  what  can  you  say  of  iff 

Bethphage.  No  remains  of  the  town  are  found,  and 
its  exact  location  is  not  known  ;  but  it  must  have 
been  near  Bethany,  and  not  far  from  Jerusalem. 

1353.  As  He  approached  this  little  town,  what  did 
He  say  to  two  of  His  disciples  ? 

He  told  them  to  go  into  the  village,  where  they 
should  find  an  ass  tied,  and  her  colt  with  her,  "  whereon 
never  man  sat."  These  they  were  to  loose  and  bring  to 
Him. 

1354.  What  else  did  He  add  ? 

"  If  any  man  say  aught  unto  you,  ye  shall  say,  The 
Lord  hath  need  of  them  ;  and  straightway  he  will  send 
them." 

1355.  How  was  the  ass  regarded  in  the  East  9 


190  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

It  was  not  a  despised  animal,  but  was  held  in  high 
esteem.  Swifter  and  handsomer  than  with  us,  it  vied 
with  the  horse  in  favor.  Its  coat  was  shiny  black, 
satiny  white,  or  smooth  mouse  color.  Colts  or  animals 
which  had  never  been  used  were  put  to  sacred  purposes. 

1356.  How  did  the  two  disciples  obey  Christ's  com- 
mand f 

They  went  and  found  the  ass  and  colt  tied  to  a  gate, 
and  they  loosed  them. 

1357.  Who  questioned  them  ? 

The  owner  said  to  them,  "  Why  loose  ye  the  colt  ?  " 
And  they  said,  "  The  Lord  hath  need  of  him."  And 
they  let  them  go. 

1358.  What  did  the  disciples  do  then  ? 

They  led  the  animals  to  Jesus  ;  and  casting  their 
garments  upon  the  colt,  they  set  Jesus  thereon.  So 
the  triumphal  procession  set  forth. 

1359.  What  happened  as  they  reached  the  descent  of 
the  Mount  of  Olives  ? 

The  raising  of  Lazarus  had  made  a  great  sensation, 
and  thousands  of  people  who  had  heard  of  it,  and  of 
Christ's  approach  toward  Jerusalem,  went  out  to  meet 
Him  and  escort  Him  in  triumph  into  the  Holy  City. 

1360.  How  did  the  people  show   their  enthusiasm, 
when  those  who  came  from  Jerusalem  met  the  crowds 
who  had  followed  Him  from  Bethany? 

Many  spread  their  garments  in  the  way,  others  cut 
down  branches  from  the  palm  trees  and  threw  them 
before  Him. 

1361.  These  garments  were  the  cloaks  worn  over  the 
tunics.     What  was  the  shout  of  the  multitude  as  they 
journeyed  slowly  toward  the  city  9 

"  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David  ;  Blessed  is  he  that 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  191 

cometh   in    the   name   of    the   Lord :  Hosanna   in   the 
highest." 

1362.  Who  were  displeased  by  this  enthusiasm  of  the 
vast  multitude  of  people  f 

Some  Pharisees  who  were  in  the  crowd  asked  Jesus 
to  silence  His  followers  ;  but  He  replied,  "  I  tell  you 
that  if  these  should  hold  their  peace,  the  stones  would 
immediately  cry  out." 

1363.  The  procession  swept  along  until,  at  a  nearer 
approach,  the  beautiful  city,  with  the  magnificent  Temple 
flashing  its  mass  of  "snow  and  gold"  in  the  sunlight, 
burst  into  view.      What  did  our  Lord  do  as  He  looked 
upon  it  ? 

The  procession  paused,  and  Jesus,  when  He  beheld 
the  city,  wept  over  it. 

1364.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  "  Jerusalem  "  ? 
"  They  shall  see  peace." 

1365.  What  did  our  Lord  say  9 

"  If  thou  hadst  known,  even  thou,  at  least  in  this 
thy  day,  the  things  which  belong  unto  thy  peace  !  but 
now  they  are  hid  from  thine  eyes." 

1366.  The  multitudes  saw  their  beloved  city  only  as 
she  then  appeared  in  her  glory.     Our  Lord  saw  it  as  it 
would    soon    be.     In    His   next  words  what  did   He 
prophesy  ? 

The  destruction  of  Jerusalem.  He  said,  "  The  days 
shall  come  upon  thee,  that  thine  enemies  shall  cast  a 
trench  about  thee,  and  compass  thee  round,  and  keep 
thee  in  on  every  side,  and  shall  lay  thee  even  with  the 
ground,  and  thy  children  within  thee  ;  and  they  shall 
not  leave  in  thee  one  stone  upon  another." 

1367.  When,  by  whom,  and  in  what  manner  was  this 
prophecy  of  our  Lord  fulfilled  t 


192  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

A.  D.  70.  Titus  surrounded  the  city  with  a  wall ; 
the  siege  was  so  strict  and  severe,  we  are  told  (by 
Josephus,  "  Wars  of  the  Jews,"  Book  VI.),  that  one 
million  one  hundred  thousand  Jews  perished  miserably  ; 
some  by  the  sword,  some  were  crucified  by  the  Roman 
soldiers,  and  many  died  of  starvation. 

1368.  It  was  the  Feast  of  the  Passover;  the  city  of 
Jerusalem  was  crowded  to  its  uttermost,  with  nearly 
three  million  people,  many  of  whom  had  come  from 
other  places  to  attend  the  feast.     What  impression  did 
the   triumphal  entrance  of  our  Lord  make  upon  the 
crowds  thronging  the  narrow  streets  ? 

They  were  moved  with  eager  curiosity,  asking, 
"  Who  is  this  ?  "  and  the  multitude  said,  "  This  is  Jesus 
the  prophet  of  Nazareth  of  Galilee/' 

1369.  What  did  the  Pharisees  say  among  themselves  9 
"  Perceive  ye,  how  ye  prevail  nothing  ?  behold,  the 

world  is  gone  after  him." 

1370.  Whither  did  our  Lord  go  when  He  had  entered 
the  city  9 

"  Into  the  temple  :  and  when  he  had  looked  round 
about  upon  all  things,  and  now  the  eventide  was  come, 
he  went  out  unto  Bethany  with  the  twelve." 

1371.  On  what  day  of  the  week  did  the  triumphal 
entry  occur  ? 

On  the  first  day  of  the  Jewish  week,  corresponding 
to  our  Sunday,  April  2,  A.  D.  30.  It  was  five  days  be- 
fore the  crucifixion.  Palm  Sunday  commemorates  the 
event. 

1372.  What  was  this  last  week  of  ChrisVs  life  on 
earth  called  9 

The  Passion  Week.     Passion  means  suffering. 

1373.  For  the  sake  of  following  more  easily  the  events 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  193 

of  that  week,  we  will  adopt  for  each  day  its  present  name, 
though  these  names  did  not  then  exist.  On  the  first  day, 
then,  Sunday,  occurred  the  triumphal  entry  ;  where  did 
our  Lord  and  the  Twelve  spend  that  night  ? 

Jerusalem  being  so  crowded,  they  returned  to  Beth- 
any, and  passed  the  night  probably  at  the  house  of 
Lazarus  and  his  sisters. 

1374.  The  next  morning  (Monday),  as  our  Lord  with 
His  disciples  was  returning  to  Jerusalem,  what  hap- 
pened ? 

Jesus  saw  a  fig-tree  at  a  distance  in  full  leaf,  and, 
being  hungry,  He  went  to  pluck  some  of  its  fruit. 
When  He  reached  the  tree,  however,  He  found  that  it 
was  barren,  having  nothing  but  leaves. 

1375.  What  did  our  Lord  do  9 

He  said  to  the  barren  fig-tree,  "  Let  no  fruit  grow 
on  thee  henceforward  forever/'  And  immediately  it 
withered  away. 

1376.  The  fig-tree  loses  its  leaves  in  winter,  but  there 
is  one  kind  which  puts  forth  fruit  and  leaves  early  in 
the  spring.     It  was  probably  one  of  these  which  Jesus 
noticed  among  the  leafless  ones  surrounding  it,  and, 
seeing  the  leaves,  expected  to  find  fruit  on  it.     Why  did 
He  curse  it  ? 

"  Not  for  being  barren,  but  for  being  false  ;  "  for 
giving  promise  of  fruit  by  its  show  of  leaves  when  it 
had  none. 


194  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  XLIII. 

ST.  MATT.  XXI.  12-46  ;  ST.  MARK  XI.  15-33  ;   XII.  1-12  ; 
ST.  LUKE  XIX.  45-48  ;  XX.  1-19 

1377.  When  our  Lord  reached  Jerusalem,  whither  did 
He  go,  and  what  did  He  do  ? 

He  went  into  the  Temple,  and  cast  out  all  them  that 
sold'and  bought,  and  overthrew  the  tables  of  the  money- 
changers, and  the  seats  of  them  that  sold  doves. 

1378.  What  did  He  say  to  them  ? 

"  It  is  written,  My  house  shall  be  called  the  house  of 
prayer,  but  ye  have  made  it  a  den  of  thieves."  Prob- 
ably because  they  had  been  unfair  in  their  dealings. 

1379.  This  was  the  second  cleansing  of  the  Temple. 
When  had  our  Lord  performed  a  similar  act  ? 

Three  years  before,  at  the  beginning  of  His  ministry. 

1380.  How  does  the  second  cleansing  differ  from  the 
first  ? 

In  the  first  case  we  are  told  that  Jesus  made  a  scourge, 
and  with  it  drove  out  the  cattle  and  money-changers, 
saying,  "  Make  not  my  Father's  house  a  house  of  mer- 
chandise." In  the  second  case  He  tells  them  they  have 
made  His  house  a  den  of  thieves. 

1381.  In  the  second  cleansing,  what  does  St.  Marie 
alone  tell  us  ? 

That  our  Lord  "would  not  suffer  that  any  man 
should  carry  any  vessel  through  the  temple/'  That 
is,  He  would  not  allow  any  one  carrying  a  pail  or  basket 
to  desecrate  the  Temple  courts  by  crossing  them,  as 
though  they  were  public  streets. 

1382.  What  did  "our  Lord  do  after  He  had  cleansed 
the  Temple  this  second  time? 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  195 

He  healed  the  lame  and  blind  who  came  to  Him  in 
the  Temple. 

1383.  How  did  the  children  greet  our  Lord  9 

They  sang  "  Hosanna  to  the  Son  of  David."  Chil- 
dren were  taught  at  an  early  age  to  join  in  the  Temple 
services.  They  sang  the  familiar  words,  without  really 
knowing  what  they  meant. 

1384.  How  were  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  affected 
ly  the  wonderful  things  Jesus  did,  and  ~by  the  greetings 
of  the  children.? 

They  were  sore  displeased,  and  said  to  Jesus, 
"  Hearest  thou  what  these  say?  "  And  He  said  to  them, 
"  Yea ;  have  ye  never  read,  Out  of  the  mouth  of  babes 
and  sucklings  thou  hast  perfected  praise  ?  " 

1385.  It  now  being  evening,  whither  did  our  Lord  go  ? 
He  returned  with  His  disciples  to  Bethany  to  spend 

the  night. 

1386.  The  next  morning  (Tuesday},  as  they  were  on 
their  way  again  to  Jerusalem,  what  did  St.  Peter  say  f 

As  they  again  passed  the  fig-tree,  "dried  up  from 
the  roots/'  St.  Peter  said,  "  Master,  behold,  the  fig-tree 
which  thou  cursedst  is  withered  away." 

1387.  What  lesson  did  our  Lord  then  teach  His  dis- 
ciples 9 

A  lesson  of  faith.  What  He  had  done,  they  might 
do  also,  if  they  had  the  true  faith  in  God. 

1388.  As  our  Lord  was  teaching  in  the  Temple  that 
day,  who  came  to  Him,  and  what  was  their  question  ? 

The  chief  priests  and  scribes  came  and  said  to  Him, 
"  By  what  authority  doest  thou  these  things  ?  and  who 
gave  thee  this  authority  ?  " 

1389.  What  was  our  Lord's  reply  ? 

"  I  also  will  ask  you  one  thing,  which  if  ye  tell  me, 


196  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

I  in  like  wise  will  tell  you  by  what  authority  I  do  these 
things.  The  baptism  of  John,  whence  was  it  ?  from 
heaven,  or  of  men  ?  " 

1390.  John  had  testified  of  Christ,  and  all  men  had 
believed  him  to  be  a  prophet;  what  ivere  the  difficulties 
of  the  priests  and  scribes  in  answering  Christ's  ques- 
tions 9 

If  they  said  he  was  from  heaven,  it  was  equal  to 
acknowledging  Jesus  as  Christ ;  if  they  said  he  was  of 
men,  or  not  a  prophet,  the  people  would  stone  them. 

1391.  What   then  was  their  answer,   and  what  did 
Jesus  say  to  them  ? 

They  said  to  Jesus,  "  We  cannot  tell."  And  He  said 
unto  them,  "  Neither  tell  I  you  by  what  authority  I  do 
these  things." 

1392.  Our  Lord  then  uttered  three  parables  of  warn- 
ing;  what  was  the  story  of  the  first,  the  Two  Sons  9 

"  A  certain  man  had  two  sons  ;  and  he  came  to  the 
first,  and  said,  Son,  go  work  to-day  in  my  vineyard.  He 
answered  and  said,  I  will  not  :  but  afterward  he  re- 
pented, and  went.  And  he  came  to  the  second,  and  said 
likewise.  And  he  answered  and  .said,  I  go,  sir  :  and 
went  not." 

1393.  What  question  did  Jesus  ask  them  when  He 
had  finished  this  parable  9 

Which  of  the  two  did  the  will  of  his  father.  And 
they  answered,  "  The  first/'  And  Jesus  told  the  Phari- 
sees that  publicans  and  sinners  would  go  into  the  king- 
dom before  them. 

1394.  By  this  did  He  mean  that  every  sinner  should 
go  before  every  Pharisee  f 

No  ;  He  meant  that  there  is  more  hope  for  a  sinner 
who  repents  and  forsakes  his  sins,  than  for  one  who 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  197 

pretends  to  be  good,  but  whose  goodness  is  only  pre- 
tence. 

1395.  The  second  parable  of  warning  was  that  of  the 
Wicked  Husbandmen.     How  does  the  story  begin  ? 

"  There  was  a  certain  householder,  which  planted  a 
vineyard,  and  hedged  it  round  about,  and  digged  a 
winepress  in  it,  and  built  a  tower,  and  let  it  out  to  hus- 
bandmen, and  went  into  a  far  country/' 

1396.  When    the    harvest  time  came,  what  did  the 
owner  of  the  vineyard  do  f 

He  sent  his  servants  to  the  husbandmen  to  receive  his 
portion  of  the  fruits.  It  was  the  custom  then  for  a 
tenant  to  pay  to  the  owner  of  the  land  a  portion  of  the 
produce. 

1397.  How  were  his  servants  received  f 

The  husbandmen  took  them,  and  beat  one,  killed 
another,  and  stoned  a  third. 

1398.  What  did  the  owner  then  do  9 

He  sent  other  servants,  and  they  were  treated  in  like 
manner. 

1399.  Last  of  all,  whom  did  the  owner  send? 

His  only  son,  saying,  "  They  will  reverence  my  son." 
But  when  the  husbandmen  saw  him,  they  said  among 
themselves,  "  This  is  the  heir  ;  come,  let  us  kill  him,  and 
let  us  seize  on  his  inheritance."  And  so  they  took  him 
and  killed  him. 

1400.  What  question  did  our  Lord  then  asTc  of  the 
people  who  were  eagerly  listening  to  this  story  ? 

"  When  the  lord  therefore  of  the  vineyard  cometh, 
what  will  he  do  unto  those  husbandmen  ?  "  And  they 
answered,  "  He  will  miserably  destroy  those  wicked 
men,  and  will  let  out  his  vineyard  unto  other  husband- 
men, which  shall  render  him  the  fruits  in  their  seasons." 


198  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1401.  In  this  parable  whom  did  our  Lord  mean  by 
the  householder  ? 

God. 

1402.  W hat  by  the  vineyard  9 

The  kingdom  of  God  on  earth,  which  He  had  given 
to  the  Jews,  as  His  chosen  people. 

1403.  Whom  by  the  husbandmen  ? 
The  Jews. 

1404.  Whom  by  the  servants  9 

The  messengers  or  prophets  of  God,  sent  to  the  Jews, 
and  by  them  outrageously  treated. 

1405.  Who  is  meant  by  the  son  of  the  owner  9 

Jesus  Christ,  sent  of  God  as  a  last  appeal  to  an  un- 
faithful nation. 

1406.  What  is  meant  by  the  coming  of  the  lord  of  the 
vineyard f 

God's  coming  in  the  destruction  of  Jerusalem,  when 
the  nation  was  destroyed  and  the  kingdom  of  God  taken 
from  the  Jews  who  had  abused  it,  and  given  to  the 
Christians  in  all  lands. 

1407.  When  the  chief  priests  and  Pharisees  heard  His 
parables,  what  did  they  at  last  understand  9 

That  He  was  speaking  of  them.  "  But  when  they 
sought  to  lay  hands  on  him,  they  feared  the  multitude, 
because  they  took  him  for  a  prophet." 

LESSON  XLIV. 

ST.  MATT.  XXII.  1-22 ;  ST.  MARK  XII.   13-17 ;  ST.  LUKE 
XX.  20-26 

1408.  The  third  parable  which  our  Lord  uttered  at 
that  time  is  that  of  the  Marriage  of  the  King's  Son. 
What  is  the  story  9 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  199 

"  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  like  unto  a  certain  king, 
which  made  a  marriage  for  his  son,  and  sent  forth  his 
servants  to  call  them  that  were  bidden  to  the  wedding  : 
and  they  would  not  come." 

1409.  It  was  customary  in  the  East  to  summon  the 
guests,  when  the  feast  was  ready,  even  though  they  had 
been  invited  before.     What  did  the  Icing  do  next  f 

He  sent  forth  other  servants,  saying,  "  Tell  them 
which  are  bidden,  Behold,  I  have  prepared  my  dinner  ; 
my  oxen  and  my  failings  are  killed,  and  all  things  are 
ready  :  come  unto  the  marriage." 

1410.  What  was  the  result  ? 

Some  made  light  of  it,  and  went  their  ways,  one  to 
his  farm,  another  to  his  merchandise  :  others  took  the 
servants,  treated  them  spitefully,  and  slew  them. 

1411.  When  the  Icing  heard  of  this  insult,  what  did 
he  do  9 

He  was  very  angry,  and  sent  forth  his  armies,  and 
destroyed  those  murderers,  and  burned  their  city. 

1412.  What  did  he  then  say  to  his  servants  ? 

"  The  wedding  is  ready,  but  they  which  were  bidden 
were  not  worthy.  Go  ye  therefore  into  the  highways, 
and  as  many  as  ye  shall  find,  bid  to  the  marriage." 

1413.  What  did  they  do  ? 

They  went  out  and  gathered  together  as  many  as 
they  could  find,  both  bad  and  good  ;  and  the  wedding 
was  furnished  with  guests. 

1414.  When  the  Icing  came  in  to  see  the  guests,  what 
did  he  notice  ? 

He  saw  there  a  man  which  had  not  on  a  wedding 
garment  ;  and  he  said  to  him,  "  Friend,  how  earnest 
thou  in  hither,  not  having  a  wedding  garment  ?  And 
he  was  speechless." 


200  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1415.  Some  think  that  this  wedding  garment  was  a 
festive  role  provided  for  the  guests  by  the  king  him- 
self.     Therefore,  when  the  Icing  found  that  the  man 
had  no  excuse  for  not  being  properly  dressed,  what  did 
he  do? 

He  ordered  the  servants  to  bind  him  hand  and  foot, 
and  take  him  away,  and  cast  him  into  outer  darkness. 

1416.  In  the  parable,  who  is  meant  by  the  king? 
God. 

1417.  What  is  meant  by  the  feast  ? 

The    blessings    and   privileges   of   God's    kingdom, 
which  He  offered  to  the  Jews. 

1418.  Who  are  the  guests  9 
The  Jews. 

1419.  Who  are  the  servants  sent  to  summon  the  guests  9 
The  first  servants  are  John  the  Baptist  and  Christ's 

disciples ;  the  second,  the  earliest  Christian  missionaries, 
St.  Paul,  Silas,  Barnabas,  and  others  ;  some  of  whom 
suffered  martyrdom. 

1420.  WJiat  does  the  story  mean  by  saying  that  the 
king  sent  his  armies  and  destroyed  the  murderers  and 
their  city  9 

It  refers  to  Titus  and  the  Roman  armies  as  God's 
instruments    for  punishing   the    Jews,   by  destroying' 
their  city. 

1421.  When  the  bidden  guests,  who  were  the  Jews, 
would  not  come  to  the  feast,  the  king  invited  every  one  ; 
what  does  this  mean? 

That  God's  blessing  is  offered  to  all,  rich  or  poor, 
good  or  bad,  who  will  accept  it. 

1422.  Who  are  meant  by  the  guest  who  had  not  on  a 
wedding  garment,  and  what  lesson  is  tatight  by  the  fact 
that  the  king  saw  him  ? 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  201 

Those  who  are  not  clothed  in  faith  and  righteousness. 
It  teaches  that  God  sees  each  individual  one,  no  matter 
how  poor  and  insignificant,  and  if  he  is  not  clothed  in 
a  wedding  garment  of  faith  and  righteousness,  he  can- 
not remain  in  His  presence. 

1423.  How  does    this  parable    which   St.    Matthew 
gives,  differ  from  that  of  the  Great  Supper  given  by 
St.  Luke? 

They  were  uttered  on  very  different  occasions ;  this 
one  in  the  Temple,  and  the  other  long  before,  at  the 
table  of  a  Pharisee.  In  this  the  feast  was  a  wedding, 
and  the  servants  sent  to  summon  the  guests  were  killed. 
Also,  in  this  parable  only  is  mentioned  the  guest  who 
had  not  on  the  wedding  garment. 

1424.  Thus  far  Christ's  enemies  had  failed  to  bring 
Him  to  trial  by  discrediting  His  religious  teaching. 
What  did  they  do  next  9 

They  took  counsel  how  they  might  "  entangle  Him 
in  His  talk  ; "  that  is,  ensnare  Him  into  making  some 
statement  for  which  they  might  deliver  Him  up  to  the 
Roman  authorities  on  a  charge  of  treason. 

1425.  What  was  their  plan? 

To  send  three  different  parties  to  Him  with  treach- 
erous questions  which  might  entrap  Him. 

1426.  Who  then  came  to  our  Lord  on  this  memorable 
Tuesday  of  Passion   Week,  while,  having  finished  the 
three  parables  of  warning,  He  was  still  in  the  Temple  ? 

Certain  of  the  Pharisees,  together  with  some  Hero- 
dians. 

1427.  What  question  did  these  treacherous  spies  ask 
of  Jesus  ? 

They  began  by  talking  to  Him  as  a  teacher  whom 
they  trusted.  They  told  Him  they  knew  He  was  true, 


202  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

and  taught  God's  truth  ;  that  He  would  not  be  influ- 
enced by  wealth  or  power.  They  then  said  to  Him, 
"  What  thinkest  thou  ?  Is  it  lawful  to  give  tribute 
unto  Caesar,  or  not  ?  " 

1428.  Why  was  this  a  treacherous  question  ? 

It  was  so  crafty  that  it  seemed  impossible  for  our 
Lord  to  escape,  for  if  He  answered,  "  It  is  lawful,"  the 
Pharisees  hoped  to  kill  His  popularity  with  the  people, 
who  hated  Caesar.  If  He  answered,  "  It  is  not  lawful," 
the  Herodians  could  then  give  Him  up  as  a  traitor  to 
the  Roman  governor. 

1429.  Our  Lord  knew  that  the  question  was  a  sly  one, 
meant  only  to  entrap  Him.     The  hypocritical  flattery  of 
the  spies  did  not  deceive  Him  for  a  moment.     What  ivas 
His  answer  ? 

"Why  tempt  ye  me,  ye  hypocrites?  Bring  me  a 
penny  that  I  may  see  it." 

1430.  What  was  this  penny  or  "denarius"? 

It  was  a  small  Roman  coin  of  silver  ;  on  it  was  the 
head  of  Tiberius  Caesar  ;  its  value  was  nearly  seven- 
teen cents.  It  was  not  accepted  in  the  Temple,  but 
was  exchanged  by  the  money-changers  for  Jewish  coin. 

1431.  When  the  coin  was  brought  to  Jesus,  what  did 
He  ask f 

"  Whose  is  this  image  and  superscription  ?  "  And 
they  answered  "  Caesar's."  And  Jesus  said,  "  Render 
therefore  unto  Caesar  the  things  which  are  Caesar's,  and 
unto  God  the  things  that  are  God's." 

1432.  What  did  He  mean  ~by  this  9 

That  they  were  to  give  Caesar  what  was  due  to  him  ; 
the  coin  bearing  his  image  belonged  to  him.  But  the 
soul  which  bears  the  image  of  God  belongs  to  Him, 
and  should  be  given  back  to  Him. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  203 

1433.  Thus  did  our  Lord  escape  their  censure.  How 
did  the  wonderful  wisdom  of  His  answer  affect  the 
Pharisees  ? 

"  They  marvelled,  and  left  him,  and  went  their  way." 


LESSON  XLV. 

ST.  MATT.  XXII.  23-46  ;  XXIII.  1-39  ;  ST.  MARK  XII.  18-44  ; 
ST.  LUKE  XX.  27-47  ;  XXI.  1-4 

1434.  Thus  did  our  Lord  dispose  of  the  Pharisees 
and  Herodians,  the  first  party  sent  to  ensnare  Him. 
Next  came  the  Sadducees,  the  exclusive,  dignified  Saddu- 
cees,  who  denied  the  resurrection  of  the  body.     What  did 
they  say  to  our  Lord  ? 

11  Master,  Moses  said,  If  a  man  die,  having  no  chil- 
dren, his  brother  shall  marry  his  wife,  and  raise  up  seed 
unto  his  brother."  They  then  stated  a  case  where  there 
were  seven  brothers  :  the  first  married  a  wife,  and  died 
without  children  ;  and  the  second  married  her,  and  died 
childless  ;  and  likewise  all  the  seven.  And  last  of  all 
the  woman  died  also. 

1435.  What  question  did  they  then  ask  Him  ? 

"  In  the  resurrection  therefore,  when  they  shall  rise, 
whose  wife  shall  she  be  of  them?  for  the  seven  had 
her  to  wife." 

1436.  What  was  Jesus'  answer  ? 

"  Ye  do  err,  not  knowing  the  scriptures,  nor  the 
power  of  God.  For  in  the  resurrection  they  neither 
marry,  nor  are  given  in  marriage,  but  are  as  the  angels 
of  God  in  heaven." 

1437.  What  else  did  He  say  9 

"  Have  ye  not  read  in  the  book  of  Moses,  how  in  the 


204  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

bush  God  spake  unto  him,  saying,  I  am  the  God  of 
Abraham,  and  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob  ? 
He  is  not  the  God  of  the  dead,  but  the  God  of  the 
living  :  ye  therefore  do  greatly  err." 

1438.  What  does  the  term  "  in  the  bush  "  here  mean  ? 
It   refers   to   a   section   of   the   Exodus    (chap,  iii.) 

which  the  Israelites  called  the  "  Bush."  They  divided 
the  books  of  the  Old  Testament  into  sections,  giving  to 
each  a  name  ;  one  was  called  the  "  Bow,"  another  the 
"  Chariot/'  etc. 

1439.  How  would  these  words  teach  the  Sadducees  that 
they  "  erred  "  in  thinking  there  was  no  resurrection  of 
the  body  after  death  9 

As  God  is  God  of  the  living  only,  He  would  not 
have  told  Moses  that  He  was  God  of  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  if,  after  their  death,  they  had  not  continued 
to  live  on  in  the  other  world. 

1440.  How  were  the  Sadducees  affected  by  His  words  ? 
They  dared  not  ask  Him  any  more  questions. 

1441.  The  third  party  sent  by  the  Sanhedrin  to  en- 
snare our  Lord  were  the  scribes  ;  what  did  one  of  them, 
a  lawyer,  ask  Him  ? 

"Master,  which  is  the  great  commandment  in  the 
law  ?  " 

1442.  This  was  a  question  of  much  dispute  among 
the  Jews,  who  made  foolish  distinctions  between  the  ten 
commandments.     How  did  Christ  reply  to  the  lawyer  ? 

"Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God  with  all  thy 
heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy  mind. 
This  is  the  first  and  great  commandment.  And  the 
second  is  like  unto  it,  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as 
thyself.  On  these  two  commandments  hang  all  the  law 
and  the  prophets." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  205 

1443.  Why  do   these  two  commandments  embrace  in 
themselves  all  that  God  requires  of  us  9 

Because  if  we  truly  love  Him,  we  will  not  do  any- 
thing to  displease  Him  ;  and  if  we  love  man,  we  will 
treat  him  as  we  ought. 

1444.  The  scribe  seems  to  have  been  impressed  with 
the  wisdom  of    Christ's  words;    how  did  he  answer 
Him? 

"  Well,  master,  thou  hast  said  the  truth  :  for  there 
is  one  God  ;  and  there  is  none  other  but  he  :  and  to  love 
him  with  all  the  heart,  and  with  all  the  understanding, 
and  with  all  the  soul,  and  with  all  the  strength,  and  to 
love  his  neighbor  as  himself,  is  more  than  all  whole 
burnt  offerings  and  sacrifices." 

1445.  When  Jesus  saw  that  he  answered  so  wisely, 
He  was  pleased.      What  did  He  say  9 

"  Thou  art  not  far  from  the  kingdom  of  God." 

1446.  Our  Lord,  having  silenced  His  enemies  the 
Pharisees,  now  in  turn  asked  them  two  questions  ;  what 
was  the  first  9 

"  What  think  ye  of  Christ  ?  whose  son  is  he  ? n 
They  answered,  "The  son  of  David/' 

1447.  What  did  Christ  then  ask  9 

"  How  then  doth  David  in  spirit  call  him  Lord  ? " 
"  If  David  then  call  him  Lord,  how  is  he  his  son  ?  " 

1448.  What  did  He  mean  by  these  words  9 

That  if  He  were  merely  one  of  David's  descendants, 
David  would  not  have  spoken  of  Him  in  the  book  of 
Psalms  (ex.  1)  in  such  terms  of  reverence.  He  called 
Him  "  Lord/'  because  He  knew  that  Christ  was  the 
Messiah,  and  therefore  divine. 

1449.  How  was  Christ's  question  received? 

No  man  was  able  to  answer  Him  a  word,  and  from 


206  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

that  time  no  attempt  was  ever  made  to  ensnare  Him 
by  questions. 

1450.  What  class  of  people  heard  Him  gladly  ? 
The  common  people. 

1451.  Whom  did  our  Lord  then  denounce,  and  why  9 
The  scribes  and  Pharisees,  for  their  hypocrisy  and 

self-esteem. 

1452.  WJtat  did  He  say  they  loved  9 

The  best  places  at  feasts,  and  the  "  chief  seats  "  in 
the  synagogues,  and  greetings  in  the  markets,  and  to 
be  called  of  men,  "  Rabbi,  Rabbi." 

1453.  How  many  woes  did  He  then  pronounce  upon 
them  ? 

Seven. 

1454.  What  kind  of  guides  or  teachers  did  He  call 
them  9 

"  Ye  blind  guides !  which  strain  at  a  gnat,  and 
swallow  a  camel. " 

1455.  How  did  He  compare  them  to  whited  sepulchres  ? 
"Woe  unto  you,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  hypocrites  ! 

for  ye  are  like  unto  whited  sepulchres,  which  indeed 
appear  beautiful  outward,  but  are  within  full  of  dead 
men's  bones,  and  of  all  uncleanness." 

1456.  With  what  touching  words  did  our  Lord  lament 
over  Jerusalem  9 

"  O  Jerusalem,  Jerusalem,  thou  that  killest  the 
prophets,  and  stonest  them  which  are  sent  unto  thee, 
how  often  would  I  have  gathered  thy  children  together, 
even  as  a  hen  gathereth  her  chickens  under  her  wings, 
and  ye  would  not  ! " 

1457.  After  our  Lord's  parting  denunciation  of  the 
scribes  and  Pharisees,  while  still  in  the  Temple,  what 
did  He  do  V 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  207 

He  passed  down  the  fifteen  steps  leading  to  the  Court 
of  the  Women,  and  seated  Himself  opposite  the  thirteen 
trumpet-shaped  money  chests,  where  the  people  dropped 
their  offerings  as  they  came  into  the  Temple. 

1458.  What  did  He  notice  f 

He  watched  the  people  casting  their  money  into  the 
boxes.  Many  that  were  rich  cast  in  much.  And  there 
came  a  poor  widow  who  threw  in  two  mites.  A  mite 
was  the  very  smallest  copper  coin.  There  was  a  law 
forbidding  anything  less  than  two  mites  being  put  into 
the  treasury. 

1459.  When  our  Lord  saw  this  act  of  the  widow,  what 
did  He  say  to  His  disciples  ? 

"  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  That  this  poor  widow  hath 
cast  more  in,  than  all  they  which  have  cast  into  the 
treasury." 

1460.  How  did  He  explain  this  ? 

He  said  that  she,  out  of  her  poverty,  gave  all  that  she 
had  ;  whereas,  all  the  others,  being  rich,  would  not  feel 
what  they  had  given,  even  though  the  sum  were  great. 
God  does  not  consider  the  amount,  but  the  generosity, 
of  a  gift. 

LESSON  XLVI. 

ST.  JOHN  XII.  20-36  ;  ST.  MATT.  XXIV.  1-14  ;  ST.  MARK 
XIII.  1-13;  ST.  LUKE  XXI.  5-19 

1461.  As  Jesus  and  His  disciples  passed  on  into  the 
Court  of  the  Gentiles,  what  occurred  ? 

Some  Greeks,  or  Gentiles,  who,  converted  to  the 
Jewish  faith,  had  come  to  Jerusalem  to  attend  the 
Feast  of  the  Passover.  They  came  to  Philip,  saying, 
"  Sir,  we  would  see  Jesus." 

1462.  What  did  Philip  do  ? 


208  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

He  told  Andrew,  and  together  they  went  and  told 
Jesus. 

1463.  We  do  not  read  that  our  Lord  spoke  directly 
to  these  Greeks;    they  may  have  followed  Philip  and 
Andrew,  and  heard  Christ's  address  to  His  disciples. 
What  did  He  say  of  Himself? 

11  The  hour  is  come,  that  the  Son  of  man  should  be 
glorified."  That  is,  by  His  suffering  and  death. 

1464.  In  what  way  did  Christ  compare  Himself  to  a 
grain  of  corn  9 

"  Except  a  corn  of  wheat  fall  into  the  ground  and 
die,  it  abideth  alone  :  but  if  it  die,  it  bringeth  forth 
much  fruit." 

1465.  What  did  He  mean  T)y  these  words  ? 

A  seed,  by  dying  in  the  earth,  sends  forth  the  plant ; 
so  our  Lord,  by  His  death,  attained  a  higher  life  and 
was  glorified. 

1466.  What  words  did  He  utter,  showing  His  human 
horror  at  the  thought  of  the  awful  death  He  should 
suffer  f 

"  Now  is  my  soul  troubled  ;  and  what  shall  I  say  ? 
Father,  save  me  from  this  hour  :  but  for  this  cause 
came  I  unto  this  hour.  Father,  glorify  thy  name." 

1467.  Christ  felt  within  Him  the  conflicting  of  two 
emotions;  the  physical  fear  of  death,  and  the  willing- 
ness to  glorify  His  Father  ly  dying.      How  was  the 
prayer  affected  by  these  emotions  ? 

The  first  part,  "  Save  me  from  this  hour,"  showed  the 
emotion  of  fear  ;  the  second  part,  His  willingness  to 
die  that  His 'Father's  name  might  be  glorified. 

1468.  How  was  His  prayer  answered  ? 

"  Then  came  there  a  voice  from  heaven,  saying,  I 
have  both  glorified  it,  and  will  glorify  it  again." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  209 

1469.  What  did  these  words  mean  9 

"  I  have  glorified  it,"  that  is,  in  all  God's  works  from 
the  beginning  of  the  world  ;  "  and  will  glorify  it  again," 
in  the  life  and  death  of  His  Son  Jesus  Christ. 

1470.  What  did  the  people  think  who  heard  this  won- 
derful voice  9 

Some  said  it  thundered  ;  others  said,  "  An  angel  spake 
to  him." 

1471.  What  did  our  Lord  say  ? 

"  This  voice  came  not  because  of  me,  but  for  your 
sakes."  That  is,  that  ye  might  believe. 

1472.  What  were  His   next  words  alluding  to  the 
manner  of  His  death  f 

"  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up  from  the  earth,  will  draw 
all  men  unto  me."  "  Lifted  up  "  here  means  raised  on 
the  cross.  "  Will  draw  all  men  "  means  men  of  all 
nations  and  all  time. 

1473.  How  did  the  Jews  answer  Him  9 

"  We  have  heard  out  of  the  law  that  Christ  abideth 
forever  :  and  how  sayest  thou,  The  Son  of  man  must 
be  lifted  up  ?  Who  is  this  Son  of  man  ?  " 

1474.  They  could  not  understand  why  Christ  should 
die,  when  His  kingdom  should  last  forever.     Our  Lord 
did  not  answer  their  questions  ;  perhaps  He  knew  that 
it  would  be  useless.     He  added  a  few  solemn  words  of 
warning,   His    last  words  uttered    in  public  in  the 
Great  Temple.     What  were  they  9 

"  While  ye  have  light,  believe  in  the  light,  that  ye 
may  be  the  children  of  light."  By  "  the  light "  Jesus 
probably  meant  Himself. 

1475.  As  Jesus  with  His  disciples  left  the    Temple 
courts,  and  passed  down  the  steps  towards  the  valley  of 
Kedron,  what  occurred  9 

14 


210  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

One  of  His  disciples  called  His  attention  to  the  mag- 
nificent Temple  ;  its  buildings,  glistening  gold  and 
white  marble,  its  porches,  and  its  immense  stones. 

1476.    What  was  Jesus'  ansiver  ? 

"  Seest  thou  these  great  buildings  ?   there  shall  not 
be  left  one  stone  upon  another,  that  shall  not  be  thrown 
down." 
,      1477.    When  was  this  prophecy  fulfilled  ? 

Thirty-six  years  afterwards,  when  Titus  led  his  army 
against  Jerusalem,  and  the  city  was  utterly  destroyed. 

1478.  What  became  of  the  Temple  ? 

It  was  destroyed  by  fire,  in  spite  of  the  efforts  made 
to  save  it  by  Titus.  He  had  given  an  order  that  the 
Temple  should  be  saved,  but  the  soldiers  set  fire  to  it, 
and  it  was  utterly  destroyed. 

1479.  Our  Lord  and  His  disciples  slowly  continued 
their  way  across  the  valley  of  Kedron,  and  began  the 
ascent  of  the  Mount  of  Olives.    What  can  you  say  of  it  ? 

It  is  a  four-peaked  mountain  east  of  Jerusalem,  and 
takes  its  name  from  the  olive  trees  which  grow  upon 
its  sides,  It  is  sometimes  called  Olivet.  The  little 
town  of  Bethany  lay  on  its  eastern  slope,  and  a  path 
led  from  it  over  the  mountain  to  Jerusalem.  From  its 
summit,  two  hundred  feet  higher  than  Jerusalem,  a 
magnificent  view  of  the  city  could  be  had. 

1480.  On  the  western  slope  of  the  Mount  of  Olives 
they  seated  themselves,  still  in  sight  of  the  city  and  its 
Temple.     Which  four  of  the  disciples  sat  apart  with 
Jesus  ? 

Peter,  James,  John,  and  Andrew. 

1481.  What  three  questions  did  they  ask  Him  ? 
"Tell  us,  when   shall  these   things   be?    and   what 

shall  be  the  sign  of  thy  coming,  and  of  the  end  of  the 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  211 

world  ?  "  The  first  question  referred  to  the  destruction 
of  Jerusalem  ;  the  Apostles  probably  thought  that 
these  events  would  occur  about  the  same  time. 

1482.  How  did  our  Lord  answer  these  questions  9 

He  did  not  reveal  to  them  the  exact  time  of  each 
event. 

1483.  What  did  He  warn  them  against  9 

False  Christs  and  false  prophets,  who  should  come  in 
His  name  to  deceive  them. 

1484.  To  what  did  He  again  refer  9 

The  terrible  doom  of   Jerusalem.      The   wars,  the 
suffering,  famine,  pestilence,  and  death. 

1485.  What  did  He  say  must  first  be  accomplished 
before  the  end  of  the  world? 

"  The  gospel  must  first  be  published  among  all  nations. 
And  then  shall  the  end  come." 


LESSON   XLVII. 
ST.  MATT.  XXV.  1-30 

1486.  As  no  man  should  know  the  time  of  the  coming 
of  the  Lord,  what  did  Christ  say,  urging  us  to  be  ever 
ready  9 

"  Watch,  therefore  ;  for  ye  know  not  what  hour  your 
Lord  doth  come  ;  for  in  such  an  hour  as  ye  think  not, 
the  Son  of  man  cometh."  "  And  what  I  say  unto  you, 
I  say  unto  all,  Watch." 

1487.  By  what  parable  did  our  Lord  still  further 
urge  this  watchfulness  9 

The  parable  of  the  Ten  Virgins. 

1488.  How  does  the  story  begin  f 

"  Then  shall  the  kingdom  of  heaven  be  likened  unto 


212  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

ten  virgins,  which  took  their  lamps,  and  went  forth  to 
meet  the  bridegroom."  These  lamps  were  the  usual 
Roman  lamps,  carried  in  the  hand,  or  attached  to  poles  ; 
or  were  torches  soaked  in  oil. 

1489.  Mention  some  customs  of  Oriental  weddings. 
The  principal  feature  was  the  wedding  procession. 

The  bride,  dressed  in  a  white  robe,  often  richly  em- 
broidered, with  a  wreath  of  myrtle  on  her  head,  a  girdle 
about  her  waist,  and  a  white  veil  covering  her  face  and 
form,  waited  with  her  maids  for  the  bridegroom's 
coming. 

1490.  On    his  arrival,  what  was   the  order  of  the 
procession  f 

The  bride,  with  her  maids  and  friends,  joined  the 
bridegroom  with  his  friends,  and  they  marched  through 
the  streets  to  their  future  home.  Music  and  torches 
accompanied  the  procession.  Upon  reaching  the  bride- 
groom's house,  the  guests  entered,  and  the  door  being 
closed,  no  one  coming  later  was  admitted.  The  mar- 
riage contract  was  then  signed,  and  the  wedding  feast 
began. 

1491.  The  usual  number  of  bridesmaids  was  ten.    In 
this  parable  how  were  they  described  ? 

"  Five  of  them  were  wise,  and  five  were  foolish. 
They  that  were  foolish  took  their  lamps,  and  took  no 
oil  with  them  :  but  the  wise  took  oil  in  their  vessels 
with  their  lamps." 

1492.  While  they  waited  for  the  bridegroom,  what 
occurred  ? 

"  They  all  slumbered  and  slept.  And  at  midnight 
there  was  a  cry  made,  Behold,  the  bridegroom  cometh ; 
go  ye  out  to  meet  him." 

1493.  What  did  the  ten  virgins  do  9 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  213 

They  arose  and  trimmed  their  lamps.  And  the 
foolish  virgins  said  unto  the  wise,  "  Give  us  of  your 
oil,  for  our  lamps  are  gone  out."  But  the  wise  an- 
swered, saying,  "Not  so  ;  lest  there  be  not  enough  for 
us  and  you  ;  but  go  ye  rather  to  them  that  sell,  and 
buy  for  yourselves/' 

1494.  While  they  went  to  buy,  what  'happened  9 

"  The  bridegroom  came  ;  and  they  that  were  ready 
went  in  with  him  to  the  marriage  :  and  the  door  was 
shut." 

1495.  When  the  Jive  foolish  virgins  arrived,  what  did 
they  do  9 

They  cried,  saying,  "  Lord,  Lord,  open  to  us."  But 
he  answered  and  said,  "  Verily  I  say  unto  you,  I  know 
you  not." 

1496.  Who  is  meant  by  the  bridegroom  9 
Christ. 

1497.  Who  are  meant  by  the  ten  virgins  V 

All  Christians  who  are  expecting  the  coming  of  the 
Lord.  They  all  begin  well,  making  some  effort  to  be 
ready. 

1498.  Who  are  meant  by  the  wise  virgins  ? 

Those  Christians  who  know  that  life  is  full  of  trials, 
but  who  have  within  them  the  true  spirit  of  God,  to 
carry  them  safely  through  by  faith. 

1499.  Who  are  the  foolish  virgins  9. 

Those  who  begin  aright,  but  who  have  not  sufficient 
faith  for  long  and  patient  waiting  and  watching. 

1500.  Our  Lord  next  uttered  a  parable  very  much 
like  that  of  the  Pounds.     What  was  it  9 

The  parable  of  the  Talents. 

1501.  What  is  the  story  9 

"  The  kingdom  of  heaven  is  as  a  man  travelling  into 


214  A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

a  far  country,  who  called  his  own  servants,  and  deliv- 
ered unto  them  his  goods.  And  unto  one  he  gave  five 
talents,  to  another,  two,  and  to  another,  one  ;  to  every 
man  according  to  his  several  ability  ;  and  straightway 
took  his  journey." 

1502.  In  ancient  times  a  great  deal  of  the  commerce 
was  managed  ly  slaves.     What  did  the  servants  do  with 
the  talents  they  had  received  ? 

He  that  had  received  five  talents  went  and  traded, 
and  made  five  more  talents  ;  and  he  that  had  two, 
gained  two  more  ;  but  he  that  had  received  one  went 
and  dug  a  hole  in  the  earth  and  buried  it. 

1503.  After  a  long  time  the  lord  of  these  servants 
returned  to  reckon  with  them.     What  account  did  the 
first  servant  render  f 

"  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me  five  talents  ;  behold, 
I  have  gained  beside  them  five  talents  more/'  And  the 
lord  said  to  him,  "Well  done,  thou  good  and  faithful 
servant  ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few  things,  I 
will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  ;  enter  thou  into 
the  joy  of  thy  lord/' 

1504.  What  did  he  who  had  received  two  talents  say  f 
"  Lord,  thou  deliveredst  unto  me  two  talents  :  behold, 

I  have  gained  two  other  talents  beside  them."  And 
the  lord  said  also  to  him,  "  Well  done,  good  and 
faithful  servant ;  thou  hast  been  faithful  over  a  few 
things,  I  will  make  thee  ruler  over  many  things  ;  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  lord/' 

1505.  What  account  did  he  who  had  received  one 
talent  render  f 

"  Lord,  I  knew  thee  that  thou  art  an  hard  man,  reap- 
ing where  thou  hast  not  sown,  and  gathering  where  thou 
hast  not  strawed  ;  and  I  was  afraid,  and  went  and  hid 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  215 

thy  talent  in  the  earth  ;  lo,  there  thou  hast  that  is 
thine." 

1506.  What  did  Ms  lord  answer  9 

He  called  him  a  wicked  and  slothful  servant,  and 
told  him  he  ought  at  least  to  have  put  his  money  out 
at  interest,  and  so  have  made  something,  if  only  a  little. 

1507.  What  did  he  then  order  ? 

That  the  talent  should  be  taken  from  him  and  given 
to  the  one  who  had  ten  ;  and  that  he  should  be  cast 
into  outer  darkness. 

1508.  What  may  we  all  learn  from  this  parable  9 
That  God  requires  of  us  according  to  our  gifts  and 

opportunities.  If  we  are  able  to  do  only  a  little,  that 
little  is  all  that  is  required.  If  that  little  be  well  and 
faithfully  done,  our  reward  will  be  the  same  as  that  of 
others  who  have  greater  gifts  and  opportunities. 

1509.  What  can  you  say  of  the  word  "  talent "  ? 

It  originally  meant  simply  a  sum  of  money  ;  from 
this  parable  it  has  come  to  be  used  in  the  sense  of 
ability  or  mental  gifts. 

1510.  In  His  closing  words  on  this  occasion  what  did 
our  Lord  teach  us  ? 

That  in  feeding  the  hungry,  clothing  the  poor,  visit- 
ing the  sick,  we  are  ministering  to  Him.  "  Verily  I  say 
unto  you,  Inasmuch  as  ye  have  done  it  unto  one  of  the 
least  of  these  my  brethren,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me." 

1511.  What  else  did  He  teach  about  the  judgment 
day? 

That  we  should  be  judged  not  only  for  evil  done,  but 
for  good  left  undone. 


216  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  XL VIII. 

ST.  MATT.  XXVI.  1-5,  14-20  ;    ST.  MAKE  XIV.  1-2,  2-17  ; 
ST.  LUKE  XXII.  1-18,  24-30  ;  ST.  JOHN  XIII.  1-11 

1512.  While  Christ  was  thus  talking  to  His  disci- 
ples on  the  Mount  of  Olives,  what  were  the  Pharisees, 
scribes,  and  elders  doing  in  Jerusalem  9 

They  met  at  the  palace  of  Caiaphas,  the  High  Priest, 
to  consult  together  how  they  might  take  Jesus  by 
"  subtilty  "  and  kill  Him.  But  they  said,  "  Not  on  the 
feast  day,  lest  there  be  an  upi'oar  among  the  people." 

1513.  All  their  plans  to  ensnare  Jesus  had  failed  ; 
there  was  nothing  left  but  to  have  Him  assassinated,  or 
to  bring  Him  to  trial  for  having  declared  Himself  one 
with  God.      Which  plan  did  they  choose? 

The  latter  ;  but  they  decided,  if  they  seized  Him, 
they  must  do  so  when  He  was  alone.  They  were  afraid 
to  arrest  Him  in  public,  because  of  the  great  number  of 
His  followers.  But  in  order  to  do  this,  they  must  know 
how  to  find  Him  alone. 

1514.  Who  came  to  them,  and  with  what  offer  f 
Judas  Iscariot,  the  traitor,  one  of  the  Twelve,  came 

and  said  to  them,  "  What  will  ye  give  me,  and  I  will 
deliver  him  unto  you?"  And  they  paid  him  thirty 
pieces  of  silver. 

1515.  How  muck  was  this  sum  ? 

About  twenty  dollars  ;  the  price  of  a  slave.  From 
this  time  Judas  Iscariot,  who,  being  one  of  the  Apos- 
tles, knew  whither  our  Lord  retired  when  wishing  to 
be  alone,  waited  a  chance  to  betray  Him. 

1516.  We  are  not  told  how  our  Lord  spent  Wednesday 
of  Passion  Week;  probably  with  His  friends  at  Bethany. 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  217 

What  occurred  on  Thursday,  the  13th  of  the  month 
Nisan  ? 

Our  Lord  sent  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  into  Jerusalem, 
saying,  "  Go  and  prepare  us  the  passover,  that  we 
may  eat." 

1517.  What  preparations  for  the  Passover  were  made 
in  every  Jewish  household  ? 

All  leavened  bread,  and  all  leaven  or  yeast,  must  be 
carefully  put  away  out  of  the  house  ;  during  the  seven 
days  of  the  feast,  only  unleavened  bread  was  eaten. 
On  this  account  it  was  sometimes  called  the  Feast  of 
Unleavened  Bread. 

1518.  W7tat  other  preparation  was  necessary  9 
The  Paschal  lamb  must  be  slain. 

1519.  What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  Paschal? 

It  is  a  word  originating  in  the  Hebrew  language,  and 
coming  to  us  through  the  Greek,  meaning  to  pass  over. 

1520.  How  must  the  Paschal  lamb  be  slain  and  pre- 
pared 9 

It  was  to  be  taken  to  the  Temple,  and  there  slain  and 
skinned  by  the  priests.  The  blood  and  fat  were  left 
for  an  offering  ;  the  remainder  was  then  taken  home 
and  roasted  whole.  None  of  it  could  be  carried  out  of 
the  house,  and  no  bone  must  be  broken.  What  was 
not  eaten  was  burned,  with  the  bones  and  tendons. 

1521.  What  else  was  eaten  at  the  Paschal  Supper? 
Unleavened  bread  and  bitter  herbs.     Four  cups  of 

red  wine  mixed  with  water  were  also  passed  around, 
one  cup  at  a  time. 

1522.  When  Jesus  told  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  to  go 
into  Jerusalem  to  prepare  the  meal,  what  did  they  ask, 
and  what  was  Christ's  answer  ? 

They  said  to  Him,  "  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  pro- 


218  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

pare  ? "  Our  Lord  then  told  them  that  when  they 
entered  the  city  they  would  meet  a  man  bearing  a 
pitcher  of  water  ;  they  were  to  follow  him  to  his  house, 
and  there  say  to  him,  "  The  Master  saith  unto  thee, 
Where  is  the  guest  chamber,  where  I  shall  eat  the  pass- 
over  with  my  disciples  ?  And  he  shall  show  you  a 
large  upper  room  furnished  ;  there  make  ready/' 

1523.  It  was  unusual  in  the  East  for  a  man  to  carry 
a  pitcher  of  water  ;  this  ivas  generally  the  task  of  women. 
This  fact  made  it  easy  for  the  disciples  to  folloiu  Christ's 
directions.     What  did  St.  Peter  and  St.  John  do  ? 

'  They  went  into  Jerusalem,  and  everything  happened 
just  as  Jesus  had  said  ;  and  the  man  showed  them  into 
an  upper  room,  furnished  with  table  and  couches,  and 
there  they  made  ready. 

1524.  W hen  the  evening  of  this  Thursday  was  come, 
what  occurred  ? 

Jesus  with  His  twelve  Apostles  went  up  into  the 
room  prepared  for  them,  there  to  eat  together  the  Last 
Supper. 

1525.  While  they  were  reclining  at  the  table  ivhat  did 
Clirist  say  f 

"With  desire  I  have  desired  to  eat  this  passover  with 
you  before  I  suffer :  for  I  say  unto  you,  I  will  not  any 
more  eat  thereof,  until  it  be  fulfilled  in  the  kingdom  of 
God." 

1526.  It  has  always  been  a  subject  of  much  dispute, 
as  to  whether  this  Last  Supper  was  the  real  Jeivish 
Paschal  Feast.     What  is  generally  believed  in  regard 
to  the  subject? 

That  our  Lord  wished  to  eat  the  Passover  with 
His  disciples,  and  so  celebrated  it  a  day  earlier  than 
usual  because  He  knew  that  He  should  be  crucified 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  219 

the  next  day,  when  the  Jews  were  keeping  their  Pass- 
over. 

1527.  What  dispute  arose  among  the  twelve  Apostles  ? 
Which  of  them  should  be  accounted  greatest. 

1528.  What  did  our  Lord  do  to  rebuke  them  ? 

He  arose  from  the  table,  laid  aside  His  outer  gar- 
ment, and  took  a  towel  and  girded  Himself  with  it.  He 
then  poured  water  into  a  basin,  and  began  to  wash  the 
disciples'  feet  and  to  wipe  them  with  the  towel. 

1529.  What  did  Peter  say,  when  Jesus  came  to  him  ? 
"  Lord,  dost  thou  wash  my  feet  ?  "  Jesus  said, "  What 

I  do  thou  knowest  not  now  ;  but  thou  shalt  know  here- 
after." Peter  said  to  Him,  "  Thou  shalt  never  wash  my 
feet." 

1530.  How  did  Jesus  answer  him  ? 

"  If  I  wash  thee  not,  thou  hast  no  part  with  me/' 
Then  the  impulsive  Peter  exclaimed,  "  Lord,  not  my 
feet  only,  but  also  my  hands  and  my  head." 

1531.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  ? 

"  He  that  is  washed  needeth  not  save  to  wash  his 
feet,  but  is  clean  every  whit :  and  ye  are  clean,  but  not 
all."  "  Ye  are  not  all  clean." 

1532.  What  did  He  mean  ly  these  words  ? 

He  alluded  to  Judas  ;  He  meant  that  they  were  all 
faithful  except  one  ;  but  they  did  not  understand  Him. 

LESSON  XLIX. 

ST.  JOHN  XIII.  12-37;  XIV.  1-21;    ST.  MATT.  XXVI.  21-35  ; 
ST.  MARK  XIV.  18-31 ;  ST.  LUKE  XXII.  19-23,  31-38 

1533.  What  did  Jesus  do  next  ? 

Having  washed  the  disciples*  feet,  He  put  on  His 
outer  garment,  and  took  His  place  again  at  the  table. 


220  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1534.  What  did  He  say  to  His  disciples  9 

"  Know  ye  what  I  have  done  to  you  ?  Ye  call  me 
Master,  and  Lord  :  and  ye  say  well ;  for  so  I  am.  If  I 
then,  your  Lord  and  Master,  have  washed  your  feet ; 
ye  also  ought  to  wash  one  another's  feet.  For  I  have 
given  you  an  example,  that  ye  should  do  as  I  have  done 
to  you." 

1535.  What  lesson  then  did  He  teach  ? 

A  lesson  of  humility.  If  their  dear  Lord  and  Master 
was  willing  to  humble  Himself,  they  ought  not  to  strive 
for  the  best  places,  but  should  follow  the  example  of 
Christ,  and  be  servant  of  all. 

1536.  After  this  Jesus  was  troubled  in  spirit ;  what 
did  He  say  ? 

"  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall 
betray  me." 

1537.  How  were  the  disciples  affected  by  these  words  9 
They  were  exceeding  sorry,  and  began  every  one  to 

say  to  Him,  "Lord,  is  it  I  ?  " 

1538.  As  our  Lord  did  not  answer,  what  did  St. 
Peter  do  f 

He  made  signs  to  St.  John,  the  beloved  disciple,  who 
was  leaning  on  Jesus'  breast,  to  ask  who  it  should  be. 

1539.  What  was  Jesus'  answer  to  St.  John's  question  ? 
"  He  it  is,  to  whom  I  shall  give  a  sop,  when  I  have 

dipped  it."  "  The  Son  of  man  goeth,  as  it  is  written 
of  him  ;  but  woe  unto  that  man  by  whom  the  Son  of 
man  is  betrayed  !  it  had  been  good  for  that  man  if  he 
had  not  been  born."  "And  when  he  had  dipped  the 
sop,  he  gave  it  to  Judas  Iscariot,  the  son  of  Simon." 

1540.  What  did  Judas  Iscariot  say  ? 

"  Master,  is  it  I  ?  "  And  Jesus  answered,  "  Thou  hast 
said." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  221 

1541.  What  happened  next  ? 

St.  John  tells  us  that  Satan  entered  into  Judas,  and 
he  arose  to  leave  the  room.  As  he  was  going  Jesus 
said  to  him,  "That  thou  doest,  do  quickly." 

1542.  Did  the  other  Apostles  understand  what  Jesus 
meant  by  these  words  t 

No  ;  they  thought,  because  Judas  carried  the  purse, 
Jesus  had  sent  him  on  some  errand. 

1543.  After  he  had  left,  what  did  Jesus  say  ? 

"  Now  is  the  Son  of  man  glorified,  and  God  is  glori- 
fied in  him." 

1544.  What  else  did  our  Lord    say  to  the  eleven 
Apostles  f 

"Little  children,  yet  a  little  while  I  am  with  you." 
"Whither  I  go,  ye  cannot  come."  "A  new  command- 
ment I  give  unto  you,  That  ye  love  one  another ;  as  I 
have  loved  you,  that  ye  also  love  one  another.  By  this 
shall  all  men  know  that  ye  are  my  disciples,  if  ye  have 
love  one  to  another." 

1545.  The  warm-hearted  Peter  seemed  to  have  heard 
only  the  first  of  Christ's  words,  that  He  would  leave 
them  and  go  whither  they  could  not  follow.     What  did 
he  ask  of  Christ,  and  what  was  His  reply  ? 

St.  Peter  said,  "  Lord,  whither  goest  thou  ?  "  Jesus 
answered  him,  "  Whither  I  go,  thou  canst  not  follow 
me  now  ;  but  thou  shalt  follow  me  afterwards." 

1546.  By  these  words  our  Lord  alluded,  not  only  to 
Peter's  death,  but  the  manner  of  it ;  for  he  was  proba- 
bly crucified.     What  were  St.  Peter's  next  words,  and 
how  did  Jesus  answer  him  ? 

St.  Peter  said,  "Lord,  why  cannot  I  follow  thee 
now  ?  I  will  lay  down  my  life  for  thy  sake."  Jesus 
answered,  "  Wilt  thou  lay  down  thy  life  for  my  sake  ? 


222  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  That  this  day,  even  in  this 
night,  before  the  cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny  me 
thrice." 

1547.  By  these  words  our  Lord  foretold  St.  Peter's 
denial  of  Him.     While  they  yet  lingered  at  the  table, 
what  did  Jesus  do  9 

He  took  bread,  and  blessed  and  brake  it,  and  gave  it 
to  his  disciples,  saying,  "  Take,  eat ;  this  is  my  body, 
which  is  given  for  you  :  this  do  in  remembrance  of  me." 

1548.  He  then  took  the  cup,  and  when  He  had  given 
thanks,  what  did  He  do  ? 

He  gave  it  to  them,  saying,  "  Drink  ye  all  of  it ;  for 
this  is  my  blood  of  the  new  testament,  which  is  shed 
for  many  for  the  remission  of  sins."  "  This  do  ye,  as 
oft  as  ye  drink  it,  in  remembrance  of  me."  "For  as 
often  as  ye  eat  this  bread,  and  drink  this  cup,  ye  do 
shew  the  Lord's  death  till  he  come." 

1549.  What  was  thus  instituted  9 

The  Lord's  Supper,  or  Eucharist,  which,  in  our  Holy 
Communion,  is  still  observed  in  remembrance  of  Christ's 
death. 

1550.  After  the  institution  of  the  Lord's  Supper, 
Jesus  continued  to  talk  with  His  disciples  long  into  the 
night;  it  was  probably  in  this  upper  room  that  He 
addressed  to  them  His  farewell  discourse,  contained  in 
the   \ttli,  loth,  IQth,  and  1.1th  chapters  of  St.  John's 
Gospel.     With  what  beautiful  words  of  comfort  to  His 
disciples  did  He  begin  ? 

"  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled  ;  ye  believe  in  God, 
believe  also  in  me.  In  my  Father's  house  are  many 
mansions  ;  if  it  were -not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I 
go  to  prepare  a  place  for  you." 

1551.  What  question  did  Thomas  ask  Him  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  223 

"  Lord,  we  know  not  whither  thou  goest ;  and  how 
can  we  know  the  way  ?  Jesus  saith  unto  him,  I  am  the 
way,  the  truth,  and  the  life  ;  no  man  cometh  unto  the 
Father,  but  by  me." 

1552.  What  did  Philip  ask  f 

"Lord,  shew  us  the  Father,  and  it  sufficeth  us. 
Jesus  saith  unto  him,  Have  I  been  so  long  time  with 
you,  and  yet  hast  thou  not  known  me,  Philip  ?  he  that 
hath  seen  me  hath  seen  the  Father  ;  and  how  sayest 
thou  then,  Shew  us  the  Father  ?  " 

1553.  What  did  He  promise  9 

"If  ye  shall  ask  any  thing  in  my  name  I  will  do  it. 
If  ye  love  me,  keep  my  commandments.  And  I  will 
pray  the  Father,  and  he  shall  give  you  another  Com- 
forter, that  he  may  abide  with  you  forever  ;  even  the 
Spirit  of  truth." 

1554.  What  else  did  He  promise  them  ? 

"  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless ;  I  will  come  to 
you." 

LESSON  L. 

ST.  JOHN  XIV.  23-35;  XV.,  XVI.,  XVII.,  XVIII.  1;  ST.  MATT. 
XXVI.  30,  36-46;  ST.  MARK  XIV.  26,  32-42;  ST.  LUKE 
XXII.  39-46 

1555.  What  question  did  Judas  ask  ?  (not  Iscariot, 
but  commonly  known  as  Jude,  or  Thaddeus.) 

"Lord,  how  is  it  that  thou  wilt  manifest  thyself 
unto  us,  and  not  unto  the  world  ?  "  Jesus  answered, 
"  If  a  man  love  me,  he  will  keep  my  words  ;  and  my 
Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come  unto  him,  and 
make  our  abode  with  him." 

1556.  How  did  our  Lord  compare  Himself  to  the  vine? 


224  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  I  am  the  true  vine,  and  my  Father  is  the  husband- 
man. " 

1557.  What  words  of  love  did  He  utter  ? 

"  As  the  Father  hath  loved  me,  so  have  I  loved  you  : 
continue  ye  in  my  love." 

1558.  What  commandment  did  He  give  ? 

"  This  is  my  commandment,  That  ye  love  one  another, 
as  I  have  loved  you.  Greater  love  hath  no  man  than 
this,  that  a  man  lay  down  his  life  for  his  friends." 

1559.  What   did  He  say  He  would  henceforth  call 
them  ? 

"  Henceforth  I  call  you  not  servants  ;  for  the  servant 
knoweth  not  what  his  lord  doeth  :  but  I  have  called  you 
friends  ;  for  all  things  that  I  have  heard  of  my  Father 
I  have  made  known  unto  you." 

1560.  How  did  He  speak  concerning  the  hatred  of  the 
world  toward  Him  and  them  f 

"  If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that  it  hated  me 
before  it  hated  you."  "Remember  the  word  that  I 
said  unto  you,  The  servant  is  not  greater  than  his  lord. 
If  they  have  persecuted  me,  they  will  also  persecute 
you." 

1561.  When  Jesus  had  spoken  these  words,  what  did 
He  do? 

He  lifted  His  eyes  to  heaven  in  prayer,  and  said, 
"  Father,  the  hour  is  come  ;  glorify  thy  Son,  that  thy 
Son  also  may  glorify  thee." 

1562.  What  did  He  say  He  had  done  9 

"  I  have  glorified  thee  on  the  earth  :  I  have  finished 
the  work  which  thou  gavest  me  to  do.  And  now,  O 
Father,  glorify  thou  me  with  thine  own  self  with  the 
glory  which  I  had  with  thee  before  the  world  was." 

1563.  For  whom  did  He  then  pray  ? 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  225 

For  His  disciples.  He  prayed,  not  that  they  should 
be  taken  out  of  the  world,  but  that  they  should  be  kept 
from  evil. 

1564.  For  whom  did  He  next  pray  9 

For  all  of  His  followers  who  should  believe  through 
the  teaching  of  His  Apostles,  that  they  might  be  one 
with  the  Father  and  the  Son,  and  that  they  might  be 
with  Them  in  Their  glory. 

1565.  Into  how  many  parts  is  this  prayer  divided? 
Three  ;  first  the  prayer  for  Himself,  then  for  His 

Apostles,  then  for  all  of  His  followers. 

1566.  When  they  had  sung  an  hymn,  probably  the 
last  portion  of  the  Hallel  (Psalms  cxv.-cxviii.),  what 
did  they  do  9 

They  left  the  house,  passed  out  of  the  city  gate, 
crossed  the  brook  Cedron,  and  entered  the  Garden  of 
Gethsemane  (the  oil-press)  at  the  foot  of  the  Mount 
of  Olives. 

1567.  It  was  probably  after  midnight  on  Thursday, 
when  our  Lord  and  the  eleven  Apostles  left  the  supper 
room  and  went  to  the  Garden  of  Gethsemane.     Where 
had  the  twelfth  disciple,  Judas,  gone  ? 

He  probably  knew  that  our  Lord  would  go  to  the 
Garden  of  Gethsemane  that  night,  as  He  often  went 
there  to  rest  and  pray.  Judas  knew  the  spot  well,  and 
went  to  get  the  soldiers  to  have  Him  arrested. 

1568.  When  our  Lord  and  the  eleven  Apostles  reached 
the  Garden,  what  occurred  ? 

Jesus  said  to  His  disciples,  "  Sit  ye  here,  while  I  go 
and  pray  yonder. "  And  leaving  the  eight,  He  took 
with  Him  St.  Peter,  St.  James,  and  St.  John. 

1569.  When  He  had  taken  them  apart,  what  did  He 
say  to  them  9 

15 


226  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death  : 
tarry  ye  here,  and  watch  with  me." 

1570.  This  is  one  of  the  few  passages  in  which  Clirist 
ascribes  to  Himself  a  human  soul.     He  longed  in  His 
human  anguish  for  human  sympathy.     It  is  almost  the 
only  personal  request  He  is  recorded  to  have  made. 
What  did  He  then  do  9 

"  He  went  a  little  further,  and  fell  on  His  face,  and 
prayed,  saying,  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this 
cup  pass  from  me  :  nevertheless  not  as  I  will,  but  as 
thou  wilt." 

1571.  When  He  rose  from  praying,  and  went  to  His 
three  disciples,  what  did  he  find  9 

He  found  them  all  asleep.  The  three  men  He  loved 
had  failed  Him.  And  He  said  to  Peter,  "What!  could 
ye  not  watch  with  me  one  hour  ?  Watch  and  pray, 
that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation." 

1572.  Our  dear  Lord,  ever  divinely  gentle  and  sympa- 
thetic, knew  how  they  were  worn  with  grief  and  fatigue; 
what  excuse  did  He  make  for  them  9 

"The  spirit  indeed  is  willing,  but  the  flesh  is 
weak." 

1573.  What  did  He  then  do  ? 

He  went  away  a  second  time,  and  prayed,  "  O  my 
Father,  if  this  cup  may  not  pass  away  from  me  except 
I  drink  it,  thy  will  be  done." 

1574.  What  occurred  next  9 

He  returned  to  the  three  Apostles,  and  found  them 
asleep  again  ;  for  their  eyes  were  heavy. 

1575.  What  did  He  do  for  the  third  time  ? 

He  went  and  offered  the  same  prayer  ;  and  being  in 
an  agony,  His  "sweat  was  as  it  were  great  drops  of 
blood  falling  down  to  the  ground." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  227 

1576.  Was  this  awful  anguish  entirely  human,  a 
mere  shrinking  from  pain  and  death? 

No  ;  it  was  also  divine  anguish  at  the  thought  of  the 
guilt  and  sin  of  the  world.  It  was  this  which  made 
Him  "  a  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted  with  grief. " 

1577.  As  in  the  wilderness,  after  the  temptation,  who 
now  came  to  minister  to  Him  ? 

"  And  there  appeared  an  angel  unto  him  from  heaven, 
strengthening  him." 

1578.  When  He  went  to  His  three  disciples  again  and 
found  them  still  sleeping,  what  did  He  say  9 

"  Sleep  on  now,  and  take  your  rest :  behold,  the  hour 
is  at  hand,  and  the  Son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the 
hands  of  sinners/'  "Rise  up,  let  us  go  ;  lo,  he  that 
betrayeth  me  is  at  hand." 

1579.  What  is  the  probable  meaning  of  the  first  clause 
of  this  verse  f 

They  were  probably  an  exclamation  uttered  in  rebuke. 
How  can  you  sleep  and  take  your  rest,  when  the  Son  of 
man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners  ! 

LESSON  LI. 

ST.  MATT.  XXVI.  47-58,  69,  72 ;   ST.  MARK  XIV.  43-50,  53,  54, 
66-70  ;   ST.  LUKE  XXII.  47-58  ;   ST.  JOHN  XVIII.  1-25 

1580.  While  our    Lord    was    yet    speaking,   what 
occurred  ? 

The  garden  was  suddenly  filled  with  armed  men, 
carrying  lanterns  and  torches,  with  Judas  leading  them. 

1581.  During  the  past  two  hours,  Judas  had  gone  to 
the  ruling  High  Priest,  who  had  probably  made  Pilate 
believe  that  soldiers  were  needed  to  arrest  a  false  Messiah 


228  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

who  might  be  dangerous  to  the  Roman  power.     What 
understanding  had  Judas  with  these  soldiers  f 

"Whomsoever  I  shall  kiss,"  he  had  said  to  them, 
"  that  same  is  he ;  take  him,  and  lead  him  away 
safely." 

1582.  Judas  did  not  think  Christ  would  give  Himself 
up  :  what  did  he  do  ? 

When  he  saw  our  Lord  coming  to  meet  them,  he 
hastened  to  Him  and  said,  "  Hail,  Master,"  and  kissed 
Him.  - 

1583.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  Mm  ? 

"  Judas,  betrayest  thou  the  Son  of  man  with  a  kiss  ?  " 

1584.  What  did  He  say  to  the  rough  men  who  had 
come  to  arrest  Him  f 

"  Whom  seek  ye  ?  "  and  they  answered,  "  Jesus  of 
Nazareth."  And  Jesus  said,  "  I  am  he." 

1585.  When  He  had  said  these  words,  what  occurred  9 
They  became  suddenly  conscious  of  the  power  and 

majesty  of  Jesus,  and  "  they  went  backward,  and  fell 
to  the  ground." 

1586.  Our  Lord  then  asked  them  again,  "  Whom  seek 
ye  ?  "     What  did  they  reply  f 

"  Jesus  of  Nazareth."  And  Jesus  answered,  "  I  have 
told  you  that  I  am  he." 

1587.  What  did  the  soldiers  then  do  9 

They  laid  their  hands  on  Jesus  and  took  Him. 

1588.  What  happened  then  ? 

Simon  Peter  drew  his  sword,  and  cut  off  the  right 
ear  of  Malchus,  the  servant  of  the  High  Priest. 

1589.  What  does  St.  Matthew  tell  us  Jesus  said  to 
St.  Peter  ? 

"  Put  up  again  thy  sword  into  his  place  :  for  all  they 
that  take  the  sword,  shall  perish  with  the  sword." 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  229 

1590.  What  answer  does  St.  Luke  give  9 

Jesus  answered  and  said,  "  Suffer  ye  thus  far."  And 
He  touched  the  ear  of  Malchus  and  healed  it. 

1591.  What  does  St.  John  tell  us  that  Jesus  said  to 
St.  Peter  9 

"  Peter,  put  up  thy  sword  into  the  sheath  :  the 
cup  which  my  Father  hath  given  me,  shall  I  not  drink 
it?" 

1592.  Whom  did  Jesus  say  He  could  call  to   His 
assistance  if  He  would  9 

"  Thinkest  thou  that  I  cannot  now  pray  to  my  Father, 
and  he  shall  presently  give  me  more  than  twelve  legions 
of  angels  ?  But  how  then  shall  the  scriptures  be  ful- 
filled, that  thus  it  must  be  ?  " 

1593.  What  did  our  Lord  say  to  the  armed  soldiers 
as  they  bound  Him  and  led  Him  away  9 

"  Are  ye  come  out,  as  against  a  thief,  with  swords  and 
with  staves  to  take  me  ?  I  was  daily  with  you  in  the 
temple  teaching,  and  ye  took  me  not  :  but  the  script- 
ures must  be  fulfilled." 

1594.  When  the  disciples  saw  that  Jesus  was  really 
arrested,  bound,  and  in  charge  of  the  soldiers,  what  did 
they  do  9 

Although  they  had  promised  to  die  for  their  dear 
Master,  they  all  forsook  Him  and  fled. 

1595.  It  was  now  about  one  hour  past  midnight ; 
whither  was  our  Lord  led  by  the  soldiers  9 

Back  again  over  the  brook  Cedron,  up  the  ascent  to 
the  city,  into  the  palace  of  the  High  Priest. 

1596.  Who  was  then  the  High  Priest  ? 
Caiaphas. 

1597.  To  whom  was  Jesus  first  taken  for  examination 
in  the  palace  V 


230  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

To  Annas,  the  former  High  Priest,  and  father-in-law 
to  Caiaphas. 

1598.  What  can  you  say  of  Annas  f 

He  was  a  hard,  cold,  crafty  man,  but  was  very  influ- 
ential, as  he  succeeded  in  securing  the  High  Priesthood 
for  five  of  his  sons  as  well  as  for  his  son-in-law.  It 
seems  probable  that  Annas  and  Caiaphas  lived  in  the 
same  palace,  consisting  of  many  apartments  built  around 
one  or  more  open  courts. 

1599.  Although  it  was  in  the  dead  of  night,  the  palace 
was  astir  with  the  chief  priests,  elders,  scribes,  and 
Pharisees,  eager  to  liurry  Christ  to  His  trial.    A  meet- 
ing of  the  Sanhedrin  was  hastily  called  for  this  purpose. 
How  did  the  High  Priest  question  Jesus,  hoping  to  get 
some  evidence  which  might  convict  Him  of  heresy  or 
treason  ? 

He  asked  Jesus  "  of  his  disciples,  and  of  his  doctrine." 

1600.  How  did  our  Lord  reply  9 

"  I  spake  openly  to  the  world  ;  I  ever  taught  in 
the  synagogue,  and  in  the  temple,  whither  the  Jews 
always  resort ;  and  in  secret  have  I  said  nothing.  Why 
askest  thou  me  ?  ask  them  which  heard  me,  what  I 
have  said  unto  them  :  behold,  they  know  what  I  said." 

1601.  For  these  words,  what  insult  was  offered  our 
Lord,  and  by  whom  ? 

One  of  the  officers  standing  by  struck  Jesus  with  the 
palm  of  his  hand,  saying,  "  Answerest  thou  the  high 
priest  so  ?  "  And  Jesus  said,  "  If  I  have  spoken  evil, 
bear  witness  of  the  evil :  but  if  well,  why  smitest  thou 
me?" 

1602.  Whom  did  St.  John  say  had  followed  Jesus  to 
the  palace  of  the  High  Priest  ? 

Simon  Peter  and  "  another  disciple  ;  "  the  "  other  " 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  231 

was  probably  St.  John  himself  ;  with  his  usual  reserve, 
he  did  not  mention  his  own  name. 

1603.  St.  John  was  known  to  the  High  Priest,  and 
was  allowed  to  enter  the  court  of  the  palace  ;  but  St. 
Peter  stood  at  the  door  without.     How  did  he  finally 
succeed  in  gaining  admittance  ? 

St.  John  went  and  spoke  to  the  damsel  that  kept  the 
door,  and  brought  in  St.  Peter. 

1604.  The  spring  nights  at  Jerusalem,  which  is  2,610 
feet  above  the  sea  level,  are  often  cold.      What  had  the 
servants  and  officers  done,  who  were  in  the  court  of 
the  palace,  in  order  to  keep  warm  ? 

They  had  built  a  fire  of  charcoals  in  a  brazier,  and 
set  it  in  the  middle  of  the  court,  and  St.  Peter  stood 
with  them  as  they  warmed  themselves. 

1605.  As  the  light  from  the  fire  fell  on  his  face,  what 
did  one  of  the  maids  say  to  St.  Peter  ? 

"And  thou  also  wast  with  Jesus  of  Nazareth."  But 
he  denied,  saying,  "I  know  not,  neither  understand  I 
what  thou  sayest." 

1606.  What  did  St.  Peter  then  do  ? 

He  retired  into  the  shadow  of  the  porch. 

1607.  What  happened  while  he  stood  there  f 
Another  maid  said  to  them  that  were  there,  "  This 

fellow  was  also  with  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  And  again 
he  denied  with  an  oath,  I  do  not  know  the  man." 
And  as  he  spoke,  a  cock  crew. 


232  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  LII. 

ST.  JOHN  XVIII.  26, 27  ;  ST.  MATT.  XXVI.  59-68,  73-75  ;  ST.  MARK 
XIV.  55-65,  70-72  ;  ST.  LUKE  XXII.  59-71 

1608.  While  this  sad  scene  was  going  on,  where  was 
Jesus  ? 

Caiaphas  had  hastily  called  a  meeting  of  the  Sanhe- 
drin  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  palace  opening  into  the 
court,  and  here  our  Lord  was  going  through  His  first 
trial. 

1609.  The  chief  priests  and  elders  and  all  the  council 
sought  false  ivitness  against  Jesus  to  put  Him  to  death. 
What  did  tiuo  false  witnesses  say  ? 

"  This  fellow  said,  I  am  able  to  destroy  the  temple  of 
God,  and  to  build  it  in  three  days." 

1610.  What  words  of  Jesus  did  they  thus  misquote? 
After  the  first  cleansing  of  the  Temple,  in  the  first 

year  of  His  public  ministry,  Jesus  had  said,  "  Destroy 
this  temple,  and  in  three  days  I  will  raise  it  up." 

1611.  What  had  our  Lord  meant  by  those  ivords,  and 
how  were  they  misjudged  ? 

He  had  referred  to  His  body,  which  should  be  cruci- 
fied and  raised  from  the  dead  in  three  days.  The  Jews 
thought  He  referred  to  their  great  Temple,  and  they 
attempted  to  convict  Jesus  of  blasphemy  in  boasting  a 
superhuman  power. 

1612.  How  did  another  witness  misquote  Him? 

"  We  heard  him  say,  I  will  destroy  this  temple  that 
is  made  with  hands,  and  within  three  days  I  will  build 
another  made  without  hands." 

1613.  The  law  required  that  in  a  trial,  at  least  two 
witnesses  should  agree.     What  does  St.  Marie  tell  us  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  233 

"  But  neither  so  did  their  witness  agree  together." 
Their  statements  did  not  tally,  and  their  testimony  was 
therefore  worthless. 

1614.  How  did  our  Lord  receive  these  false  state- 
ments 9 

In  dignified  silence. 

1615.  Exasperated  by  this  silence,  what  did  Caiaphas 
do? 

He  stood  up  in  the  midst  of  the  room,  and  said  to 
Jesus,  "  Answerest  thou  nothing  ?  what  is  it  which 
these  witness  against  thee  ?  But  he  held  his  peace  and 
answered  nothing." 

1616.  What  did  Caiaphas  then  say? 

"  Art  thou  the  Christ,  the  Son  of  the  Blessed  ?  and 
Jesus  said,  I  am  :  and  ye  shall  see  the  Son  of  man  sit- 
ting on  the  right  hand  of  power,  and  coming  in  the 
clouds  of  heaven. " 

1617.  The  High  Priest  had  now  gained  his  end.    The 
prisoner  had  been  guilty   of  blasphemy  in   asserting 
Himself  to  be  the  Son  of  God.     What  did  Caiaphas  do  9 

He  rent  his  clothes.  It  was  a  Jewish  rule  that  when 
a  charge  of  blasphemy  was  proved,  the  judges,  standing, 
should  rend  their  garments,  from  the  neck  straight 
downwards. 

1618.  What  did  Caiaphas  say  to  the  members  of  the 
Sanhedrin  ? 

"  What  need  we  any  further  witnesses  ?  Ye  have 
heard  the  blasphemy  :  what  think  ye  ?  And  they  all 
condemned  him  to  be  guilty  of  death." 

1619.  Why  was  this  meeting  of  the  Sanhedrin  irreg- 
ular, or  illegal  9 

Because  it  was  held  at  night.  There  was  a  law  for- 
bidding capital  trial  in  the  night. 


234  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1620.  What  did  the  Sanhedrin  therefore  decide  9 

To  have  another  meeting  as  soon  as  it  should  be  day. 
It  was  three  o'clock.  In  the  meantime  Jesus  was  left 
in  the  hands  of  the  soldiers. 

1621.  How  was  He  most  cruelly  treated  by  them  9 
They  mocked  Him,  and  smote  Him,  and  some  began 

to  spit  on  Him.  And  when  they  had  blindfolded  Him, 
they  struck  Him  on  the  face  and  said  to  Him,  "  Proph- 
esy, who  is  it  that  smote  thee  ?  " 

1622.  Meanwhile,   St.  Peter,  anxious,  unhappy,  but 
afraid  to  own  his  Master,  still  stood  in  the  court,  wait- 
ing for  the  end.     What  was  said  to  him  9 

Some  said,  "  Did  not  I  see  thee  in  the  garden  with 
him  ?  "  Others  said,  "  Surely  thou  art  one  of  them  ; 
for  thou  art  a  Galilean,  and  thy  speech  agreeth  thereto." 
The  Galileans  pronounced  some  words  with  a  provin- 
cial accent. 

1623.  How  did  St.  Peter  reply  to  them? 

"  He  began  to  curse  and  to  swear,  saying,  I  know  not 
this  man  of  whom  ye  speak/'  This  was  the  third  time 
he  had  denied  his  Lord,  and  immediately  the  cock  crew 
for  the  second  time. 

1624.  Wliat  touching  incident  is  related  by  St.  Luke? 
At  that  moment  our  Lord  "  turned  and  looked  upon 

Peter/'  either  from  the  room  which  overlooked  the 
court,  or  perhaps  when,  the  trial  over,  He  was  being 
led  across  the  court,  amid  the  coarse  insults  of  the 
guards. 

1625.  This  look  must  have  been  terrible  to  the  unhappy 
Peter;  what  did  he  do  9 

He  remembered  how  the  Lord  had  said  to  him, 
"Before  the  cock  crow  twice,  thou  shalt  deny  me 
thrice,"  and  he  went  out  and  wept  bitterly. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  235 

1626.  When  the  morning  (of  Friday)  was  come,  what 
occurred  ? 

The  Sanhedrin  held  a  more  formal  meeting,  probably 
in  one  of  the  Temple  rooms.  The  chief  priests  and 
scribes  came  together,  and  led  Jesus  into  their  council 
for  a  second  trial. 

1627.  Mention  some  of  the  rules  of  the  Sanhedrin  in 
trying  a  case. 

In  condemning  a  person  there  must  be  a  majority  of 
at  least  two  ;  while  a  verdict  of  acquittal  could  be  given 
on  the  same  day,  one  of  guilty  must  be  reserved  for  the 
next  day  ;  no  criminal  trial  could  be  held  in  the  night  ; 
the  judges  who  condemned  a  criminal  to  death  must 
fast  all  day.  A  death  sentence  could  not  be  executed, 
however,  without  an  order  from  the  Roman  governor 
or  procurator. 

1628.  At  this  second  more  formal  meeting  of  the  San- 
hedrin in  the  early  morning,  and  in  the  regular  place  of 
meeting,  the  scene  was  much  the  same  as  at  the  meeting 
the  night  before  at  the  palace  of  Gaiaphas.     What  ques- 
tion was  asked  of  Christ,  and  what  was  His  reply  9 

"Art  thou  the  Christ?  tell  us."  "If  I  tell  you,  ye 
will  not  believe  ;  and  if  I  also  ask  you,  ye  will  not 
answer  me,  nor  let  me  go.  Hereafter  shall  the  Son  of 
man  sit  on  the  right  hand  of  the  power  of  God." 

1629.  What  did  the  Sanhedrin  then  ask  Him  9 

"  Art  thou  then  the  Son  of  God  ?  "  And  He  answered, 
"  Ye  say  that  I  am/'  And  they  said,  "  What  need  we 
any  further  witness  ?  for  we  ourselves  have  heard  of  his 
own  mouth."  And  so  they  passed  formal  sentence  of 
death. 


236  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 


LESSON  LIIL 

ST.  MATT.  XXVII.  1-14  ;  ST.  MARK  XV.  1-5  ;  ST.  LUKE  XXIII. 
1-16  ;  ST.  JOHN  XVIII.  28-38 

1630.  When  Judas,  who  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver  had 
betrayed  Him,  heard  that  Jesus  was  condemned  to  death, 
what  did  he  do  9 

He  was  filled  with  terror  and  remorse,  though  not 
with  true  repentance,  or  he  would  not  have  acted  as  he 
did.  He  took  the  thirty  pieces  of  silver  and  went  to 
the  chief  priests  and  elders,  and  said,  "  I  have  sinned  in 
that  I  have  betrayed  the  innocent  blood." 

1631.  How  did  they  receive  his  confession? 

With  scorn  and  taunts  ;  and  they  said,  "  What  is  that 
to  us?  see  thou  to  that." 

1632.  What  did  the  wretched  man  then  do  ? 

In  despair  he  rushed  into  the  Temple,  flung  down  the 
thirty  pieces  of  silver,  and  went  out  and  hanged  him- 
self. 

1633.  What  did  the  chief  priests  do  with  the  silver  ? 
They  said,  "  It  is  not  lawful  for  to  put  them  into  the 

treasury,  because  it  is  the  price  of  blood."  So  they 
bought  with  the  money  the  potter's  field,  in  which  to 
bury  strangers.  For  that  reason  it  was  called  "  The 
Field  of  Blood."  (Aceldama.) 

1634.  What  does  St.  Luke  tell  us  (Acts  i.  18)  that 
St.  Peter  said  in  regard  to  Judas' s  death  9 

"  Now  this  man  purchased  a  field  with  the  reward  of 
iniquity  ;  and  falling  headlong,  he  burst  asunder  in  the 
midst,  and  all  his  bowels  gushed  out." 

1635.  How  might  this  account  of  the  death  of  Judas 
be  consistent  with  that  given  by  St.  Matthew  ? 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  237 

Possibly  the  rope  with  which  he  had  hung  himself  to 
the  tree  broke,  and  he  fell  headlong  over  a  rocky  preci- 
pice, on  the  edge  of  which  the  tree  might  have  grown. 

1636.  After  the  Sanhedrin  had  condemned   Christ, 
what  did  they  do  ? 

They  took  Him  to  the  Roman  Governor,  Pontius 
Pilate,  who,  they  thought,  would  not  hesitate  to  act  on 
their  advice. 

1637.  What  can  you  say  of  Pontius  Pilate  9 

He  was  the  sixth  Roman  Governor  or  Procurator  of 
Judea.  He  was  not  without  some  idea  of  Roman  just- 
ice, but  he  was  weak,  pleasure-loving,  corrupt,  and  a 
heathen.  The  Jews  hated  him,  and  he  hated  the  Jews 
and  Jerusalem.  He  was  stationed  at  Caesarea,  but  came 
to  Jerusalem  to  preserve  order  during  the  Feast  of  the 
Passover. 

1638.  Where  did  he  stay  while  at  Jerusalem  ? 
Either  at  the  magnificent  palace,  built  and  formerly 

occupied  by  Herod  the  Great,  or  at  the  Castle  of  An- 
tonia. 

1639.  Describe  Herod's  palace. 

It  was  a  splendid  building  on  a  hill,  southwest  of  the 
one  on  which  the  Temple  stood.  It  consisted  of  two 
immense  wings,  connected  by  a  building  between,  enclos-. 
ing  a  large  square  court  paved  with  mosaics.  On  the 
fourth  side  of  the  square  was  a  splendid  colonnade,  with 
the  huge  gates  in  the  centre.  Around  the  entire  palace 
was  a  beautiful  shady  park,  with  walks,  statuary,  and 
fountains. 

1640.  Some  one  has  said  of  this  magnificent  palace 
that  it  was  "  in  part  a  tyrant's  stronghold,  and  in  part 
a  fairy  pleasure-house."    Although  many  think  that  it 
was  here  Christ's  trial  before  Herod  was  held,  the  best 


238  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

authorities  locate  it  at  the  Castle  of  Antonia.  What 
can  you  say  of  it  ? 

It  was  a  high  square  tower  or  fortress,  built  by  Herod 
the  Great  at  the  northwest  angle  of  the  Temple  enclos- 
ure. He  called  it  Antonia,  in  honor  of  his  friend  Mark 
Antony.  It  contained  many  rooms  and  apartments, 
and  might  serve  for  a  palace.  In  it  the  Romans  gener- 
ally kept  a  garrison. 

1641.  It  was  probably  very  early  in  the  morning  when 
the  Sanhedrin  led  our  Lord  to  Pilate  to  claim  the  execu- 
tion of  their  death  sentence.     Why  would  not  the  Jews 
enter  the  palace  where  Pilate  was  ? 

Because  it  was  the  Passover,  and  by  entering  a  house 
not  properly  cleansed  of  leaven,  they  would  consider 
themselves  defiled.  So  Pilate  came  out  to  them. 

1642.  What  did  he  ask  them  V 

"  What  accusation  bring  ye  against  this  man  ? " 
The  Jews  were  not  prepared  for  this  question  ;  they 
thought  that  on  their  authority  Pilate  would  at  once 
order  Christ  to  be  executed. 

1643.  What  was  their  vague  answer  to  this  question  ? 
"  If  he  were  not  a  malefactor,  we  would  not  have 

delivered  him  up  unto  thee."  Blasphemy,  for  which 
they  had  condemned  Christ,  would  not  be  considered  a 
crime  by  Pilate,  who  was  a  heathen. 

1644.  What  did  Pilate  then  tell  them  ? 

To  take  Him  and  judge  Him  according  to  their  own 
Jewish  law.  To  this  the  Jews  answered,  "It  is  not 
lawful  for  us  to  put  any  man  to  death." 

1645.  Of  what  then  did  they  falsely  accuse  Him  in 
order  to  secure  Pilate's  consent  to  their  sentence  ? 

Of  treason  to  Caesar.  They  said,  "  We  found  this 
fellow  perverting  the  nation,  and  forbidding  to  give 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  239 

tribute  to   Caesar,  saying  that   he   himself  is  Christ  a 
king." 

1646.  What  did  Pilate  do  when  he  heard  this  accu- 
sation ? 

He  entered  into  the  palace,  where  Jesus  had  probably 
been  taken  by  the  Roman  guards.  When  he  had  called 
Jesus  to  him,  he  said  to  Him,  "  Art  thou  the  King  of 
the  Jews  ?  "  Jesus  asked  Pilate  in  reply  if  he  put 
that  question  of  himself,  or  whether  he  had  been  told 
to  ask  it. 

1647.  What  did  Pilate  say  to  this  ? 

"Am  I  a  Jew?  Thine  own  nation  and  the  chief 
priests  have  delivered  thee  unto  me ;  what  hast  thou 
done  ?  " 

1648.  Jesus  then  explained  to  him,  that  although  He 
was  a  Icing  His  kingdom  was  not  Mice  Ccesar's.     What 
were  His  words  ? 

"My  kingdom  is  not  of  this  world  :  if  my  kingdom 
were  of  this  world,  then  would  my  servants  fight,  that 
I  should  not  be  delivered  to  the  Jews." 

1649.  What  did  Pilate  say  to  this  ? 

"  Art  thou  a  king  then  ?  "  This  was  said  in  scorn, 
half  in  exclamation,  "  So  then,  thou  art  a  king  !  " 

1650.  What  was  Christ's  answer  ? 

"  Thou  sayest  that  I  am  a  king."  "  For  this  cause 
came  I  into  the  world,  that  I  should  bear  witness  unto 
the  truth." 

1651.  Wliat  did  Pilate  then  do  ? 

"  What  is  truth  ?  "  he  asked  ;  saying  which,  he  went 
out  to  the  Jews  and  said  to  them,  "  I  find  in  him  no 
fault  at  all." 

1652.  How  was  this  announcement  received  ~by  the 
Jews? 


240  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

Fearing  that  Pilate  would  release  Christ,  they  were 
the  more  fierce,  saying,  "He  stirreth  up  the  people, 
teaching  throughout  all  Jewry,  beginning  from  Galilee 
to  this  place." 

LESSON  LIV. 

ST.  LUKE  XXIII.  6-25  ;  ST.  MATT.  XXVII.  15-30  ;  ST.  MARK 
XV.  6-19  ;  ST.  JOHN  XVIII.  39-40  ;  XIX.  1-7 

1653.  Pilate  seems  to  have  had  a  superstitious  aver- 
sion to  condemning  Jesus  to  death ;  at  the  mention  of 
Galilee,  what  did  he  ask  9 

Whether  the  man  were  a  Galilean,  and  being  told 
that  He  was,  Pilate,  seeing  a  way  to  get  rid  of  the 
responsibility  of  the  case,  sent  Him  to  Herod  Antipas 
for  trial. 

1654.  Pilate  had   no  power  in    Galilee;  as   Herod 
Antipas  ruled  there,  he  thought  the  case  should  be  tried 
by  him  if  Christ  were  a  Galilean.     Where  did  Herod 
live  9 

In  Tiberias  of  Galilee  ;  but,  like  Pilate,  he  had  come 
to  stay  at  Jerusalem  during  the  Feast  of  the  Passover. 
So  they  had  not  far  to  go  to  reach  him. 

1655.  How  did  Herod  Antipas  receive  Jesus  9 

He  was  exceedingly  glad,  for  he  had  long  been 
desirous  of  seeing  Him,  having  heard  many  things,  and 
he  hoped  to  see  some  miracle  done  by  Him. 

1656.  It  was  this  Herod,  a  wicked  man  and  a  heathen, 
who  had  murdered  John  the  Baptist ;  his  desire  to  see 
Christ  was  only  vulgar  curiosity.     How  did  our  Lord 
receive  his  many  questions  9 

In  dignified  silence.  Christ  had  called  Herod  "  that 
fox,"  the  only  purely  contemptuous  word  He  is  recorded 
ever  to  have  uttered.  (St.  Luke  xiii.  32.) 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR   YOUNG    PEOPLE  241 

1657.  Who  then  accused  Jesus  to  Herod  f 

The  chief  priests  and  scribes,  fearing  that  the  weak 
and  superstitious  Herod  might  release  their  prisoner, 
began  vehemently  to  accuse  Him. 

1658.  What  did  Herod  then  do  9 

He  seems  to  have  looked  upon  Christ  with  contempt, 
as  a  harmless  idiot  ;  and  he  and  his  soldiers  made  fun 
of  Him  and  mocked  Him.  And  having  put  on  Him  a 
gorgeous  robe,  Herod  sent  Him  back  to  Pilate.  This 
robe  was  probably  a  white  festal  garment. 

1659.  When  the  chief  priests  and  scribes  led  Jesus 
back  to  Pilate,  what  did  he  say  ? 

1  Ye  have  brought  this  man  unto  me  ;  but  I  have 
found  no  fault  in  him  : '  "  no,  nor  yet  Herod,  for  I  sent 
you  to  him  ;  and  lo,  nothing  worthy  of  death  is  done 
unto  him." 

1660.  The  weak,  cowardly  Pilate  in   his  perplexity 
finally  thought  of  a  plan  by  which  he  might  release 
Jesus.     What  was  it  ? 

It  was  the  custom,  at  the  time  of  the  Passover,  to 
release  any  one  prisoner  whom  the  Jews  demanded. 
At  this  time  there  was  in  the  prison  a  famous  robber 
and  murderer  named  Barabbas  ;  Pilate  now  proposed  to 
the  Jews  that  they  should  select  for  release  either  this 
criminal  or  Christ.  He  felt  sure  that  the  people,  if  not 
the  Sanhedrin,  would  choose  Christ. 

1661.  So  sure  was  he  that  his  perplexity  was  to  end 
by  this  choice  of  the  people,  that  he  ascended  the  seat  of 
judgment  in  the  Pavement  or  "  Gabbatha,"  probably  the 
paved  court  of  the  Temple  in  front  of  the  Tower  of 
Antonia.     When    he    was  seated,  what  message    was 
brought  to  him  from  his  wife,  Claudia? 

"  Have  thou  nothing  to  do  with  that  just  man  :  for  I 
10 


242  A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

have  suffered  many  things  this  day  in  a  dream  because 
of  him." 

1662.  When  Pilate  heard  this  message,  he  was  more 
terrified  than  ever,  and  wished  the  more  to  release  Jesus. 
But  meanwhile  the  priests  and  scribes  had  been  persuad- 
ing the  people  to  ask  for  the  release  of  Bar  abbas.     So 
then,  when  Pilate  asked,  "Whether  of  the  twain  will  ye 
that  I  release  unto  you  9  "  what  did  the  people  reply  9 

"  Barabbas." 

1663.  What  did  Pilate  say  to  this  ? 

"  What  shall  I  do  then  with  Jesus,  which  is  called 
Christ  ?  "  They  all  cried,  "  Let  him  be  crucified."  And 
Pilate  said,  "  Why,  what  evil  hath  he  done  ?  But 
they  cried  out  the  more,  saying,  Let  him  be  crucified." 

1664.  Because  the  attempt  to  have  Christ  released  in 
honor  of  the  feast  had  failed,  what- did  Pilate,  although 
he  had  pronounced  Christ  innocent,  order  to  be  done, 
hoping  to  satisfy  the  Jews  f 

He  said,  "  I  have  found  no  cause  of  death  in  him  ; 
I  will  therefore  chastise  him,  and  let  him  go."  So 
Pilate  ordered  Christ  to  be  scourged,  hoping  that  this 
punishment  would  satisfy  the  people. 

1665.  Scourging  was  a  part  of  Roman  capital  pun- 
ishment, and  was  a  most  cruel  torture,  under  which  the 
victim  often  died.     How  was  the  Roman  scourge  made  9 

A  number  of  strips  of  leather,  in  which  were  fastened 
bits  of  metal  and  sharp  bones,  were  attached  to  a  rod. 
Each  blow  of  this  cruel  instrument  drew  the  blood. 

1666.  Who  carried  out  Pilate's  order  ? 

The  Roman  soldiers  led  Christ  back  into  the  hall  and, 
stripping  off  His  clothing,  they  scourged  Him  cruelly  ; 
they  then  put  on  Him  a  scarlet  robe,  probably  a  cast-off 
military  cloak,  and  placed  on  His  head  a  crown,  which 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG   PEOPLE  243 

they  made  of  thorns,  in  mockery  of  a  royal  crown,  and 
in  His  hand  they  placed  a  reed. 

1667.  What  did  they  then  do  t 

They  mocked  Him,  bowing  before  Him,  saying, 
"Hail,  King  of  the  Jews."  And  they  spat  on  Him, 
and  took  the  reed  and  struck  Him  on  the  head. 

1668.  When  He  had  been  scourged,  what  did  Pilate 
do,  as  a  last  resort,  hoping  to  move  the  savage  Jews  to 
pity  ? 

He  led  Jesus  out  of  the  hall  to  the  people  ;  bleeding, 
bruised,  with  the  crown  of  thorns  on  His  head,  and  the 
scarlet  robe  still  over  His  shoulders.  Thus  the  gentle, 
patient  Jesus  was  shown  to  the  furious  mob. 

1669.  What  did  Pilate  say  to  the  crowd  9 

"  Ecce  Homo  " — "  Behold  the  man."  In  pity,  Pilate 
appealed  to  their  compassion,  hoping  the  bitterest 
among  them  would  be  satisfied. 

1670.  When  the  chief  priests  and  officers  saw  Him, 
what  did  they  cry  out  ? 

"  Crucify  him.  !  crucify  him  !  "  And  Pilate  an- 
swered, "  Take  ye  him,  and  crucify  him  :  for  I  find  no 
fault  in  him." 

1671.  What  did  the  Jews  say  to  this  ? 

"  By  our  law  he  ought  to  die,  because  he  made  him- 
self the  Son  of  God." 

LESSON  LV. 

ST.  JOHN  XIX.  8-17;  ST.  MATT.  XXVII.  31-34;  ST.  MARK  XV. 
20-23;  ST.  LUKE  XXIII.  26-33 

1672.  When  Pilate  heard  these  words,  he  was  still 
more  afraid  ;  what  did  he  do  ? 

He  went  again  into  the  hall  whither  Jesus  had  been 


244  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

taken,  and  said  to  Him,  "  Whence  art  thou  ?  "     But 
Jesus  gave  him  no  answer. 

1673.  What  did  he  say  next  9 

"  Speakest  thou  not  unto  me  ?  knowest  thou  not, 
that  I  have  power  to  crucify  thee,  and  have  power  to 
release  thee  ?  " 

1674.  What  did  Jesus  answer  to  these  words  9 

"  Thou  couldest  have  no  power  at  all  against  me,  ex- 
cept it  were  given  thee  from  above." 

1675.  More  and  more  convinced  of  His  innocence, 
Pilate  sought  again  to  release  Him ;   what  did  the 
crafty  Jews  say  to  him,  to  frighten  him  f 

"  If  thou  let  this  man  go,  thou  art  not  Caesar's  friend  : 
whosoever  maketh  himself  a  king,  speaketh  against 
Caesar." 

1676.  When  Pilate  heard  these  words,  what  did  he 


He  led  Jesus  forth,  and  said,  "  Behold  your  king  !  " 
But  they  cried  out,  "  Away  with  him,  away  with  him, 
crucify  him." 

1677.  What  did  Pilate  then  say  9 

"  Shall  I  crucify  your  king  ?  The  chief  priests  an- 
swered, We  have  no  king  but  Csesar." 

1678.  When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing, 
but  that  Tie  only  roused  the  crowd  to  greater  tumult, 
what  did  he  do  9 

"  He  took  water,  and  washed  his  hands  before  the 
multitude,  saying,  I  am  innocent  of  the  blood  of  this 
just  person  :  see  ye  to  it."  And  the  people  answered, 
"  His  blood  be  on  us,  and  on  our  children." 

1679.  What  did  Pilate  then  do  9 

He  released  Barabbas,  and  delivered  to  them  Jesus  to 
be  crucified. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  245 

1680.  What  was  then  done  with  Jesus  ? 

The  Roman  soldiers  took  off  from  Him  the  scarlet 
robe,  and  when  they  had  put  on  Him  His  own  rai- 
ment they  led  Him  away  to  be  crucified. 

1681.  Was  crucifixion  a  Jewish  punishment  ? 

No  ;  it  was  Roman,  and  was  used  by  some  other 
nations,  but  not  by  the  Jews  ;  their  death  penalty  was 
generally  stoning. 

1682.  The  Romans  reserved  crucifixion  for  slaves  and 
foreigners  ;   What  is  the  meaning  of  the  word  crucify  9 

It  is  derived  from  two  Latin  words,  crux,  a  cross,  and 
figere,  to  fix. 

1683.  Whither  was  Christ  led  to  be  crucified? 

To  a  place  a  short  distance,  possibly  a  quarter  of  a 
mile,  outside  the  city  gate.  The  exact  location  is  not 
known. 

1684.  What  was  the  name  of  the  place  ? 
Golgotha,  or  Calvary,  both  words  meaning  a  skull. 

Nowhere  in  Scripture  is  the  place  called  a  hill,  though 
there  might  have  been  a  small  bare  mound  so  shaped 
like  a  skull  as  to  suggest  the  name. 

1685.  As  they  set  forth  toward  Calvary,  how  was 
Christ  burdened  ? 

It  was  part  of  the  punishment  that  the  sufferer  him- 
self should  carry  the  cross  on  which  he  was  to  be  cruci- 
fied. Jesus  was  thus  burdened. 

1686.  As  the  procession  passed  through  the  city  gate, 
what  occurred  ? 

They  met  a  Cyrenian  named  Simon.  There  was  a 
large  colony  of  Jews  in  the  city  of  Gyrene  in  Africa  ; 
possibly  this  man  may  have  come  from  that  place  to 
Jerusalem  to  attend  the  Passover. 

1687.  What  did  the  soldiers  compel  Simon  to  do  ? 


246  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

To  carry  the  cross  for  Jesus.  We  are  not  told  why  ; 
but  probably  because  our  Lord,  exhausted  by  the  terri- 
ble scourging,  and  by  the  long  hours  of  agony  and  grief 
He  had  suffered,  was  too  feeble  to  carry  it  Himself,  and 
sunk  under  the  heavy  weight. 

1688.  How  many  forms  of  cross  were  used  at  that 
time?  j 

Three  ;  one  in  form  like  the  letter  T,  one  like  the 
letter  X,  and  one  such  as  is  now  most  familiar.  It  was 
probably  this  last  form  of  cross  upon  which  our  Lord 
suffered. 

1689.  What  can  you  say  of  the  cross,  once  hated  and 
despised  as  a  symbol  of  slavery  and  shame  ? 

Because  Christ  hung  upon  it,  the  world  has  gloried  in 
it.  Since  then  it  has  been  honored  by  religion  and  art. 
We  find  it  on  the  flags  of  nations  ;  we  see  it  repre- 
sented in  jewels  and  precious  stones,  in  gold  and  silver  ; 
it  is  exquisitely  carved  in  rare  marbles  and  woods.  All 
this,  because  Christ  suffered  on  it. 

1690.  The  cross  was  probably  not  carried  in  the  way 
which  art  has  represented;  how  was  it  made  ? 

In  two  pieces  which  might  be  carried  separately,  the 
upright  and  the  crossbeam.  It  was  smaller  than  is 
generally  pictured  ;  it  was  not  much  higher  than  a 
man's  head  ;  on  the  body  of  the  cross  was  a  small  pro- 
jection of  wood  which  formed  a  partial,  though  pain- 
ful support  for  the  body,  otherwise  the  weight  of  the 
body  would  have  torn  the  nails  through  the  flesh  of 
the  hands. 

1691.  The  path  Jesus  trod  as  He  carried  the  cross  is 
called  the  Via  Dolor osa  (The  way  of  sorrotv).      Who 
followed  our  Lord  on  His  way  to  Calvary  ? 

The  Roman  Centurion  with  his  body  of  soldiers,  the 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  247 

Sanhedrin,  the  bitter,  cruel  scribes  and  Pharisees,  a 
great  company  of  people  and  a  number  of  women,  who 
wept,  beat  their  breasts  and  lamented  Him. 

1692.  When  Jesus  heard  their  lamentations,  what  did 
He  say  to  them  ? 

"  Daughters  of  Jerusalem,  weep  not  for  me,  but  weep 
for  yourselves,  and  for  your  children."  He  referred  to 
the  coming  siege  of  their  city  when  they  would  so  suffer 
with  famine,  that  they  would  forget  their  motherhood. 
Josephus  tells  us,  that  crazy  with  hunger,  women  killed 
and  ate  their  own  children. 

1693.  Between  His  condemnation  and  His  crucifixion, 
these  are  the  only  recorded  words  of  Jesus.     When  the 
procession  arrived  at  Calvary,  what  occurred  ? 

The  soldiers  offered  Jesus  to  drink  wine  mixe.d  with 
myrrh,  which  when  He  had  tasted,  He  refused. 

1694.  What  was  this  potion  9 

A  stupefying  drink  given  to  criminals  to  deaden  the 
sense  of  pain.  Some  of  the  Jewish  women  mercifully 
took  upon  themselves  to  provide  this  potion. 

1695.  Why  did  Christ  refuse  it  ? 

He  would  not  have  His  mind  clouded  ;  He  would 
drain  to  the  last  drop  the  cup  of  anguish  His  Father 
had  given  Him  ;  so  He  heroically  refused  the  tempting 
drink  which  would  have  deadened  the  terrible  suffering 
before  Him. 

LESSON  LVI. 

ST.   MATT.   XXVII.   35-44;    ST.   MARK  XV.   24-32;  ST.   LUKE 
XXIII.  33-43;   ST.  JOHN  XIX.  18-27. 

1696.  What  did  the  soldiers  then  do  to  Jesus  9 
Taking  from  Him,  his  outer  garments,  they  stretched 

Him  upon  the  cross  as  it  lay  upon  the  ground  ;  His 


248  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

hands  they  nailed  with  iron  spikes  to  the  cross  beam  ; 
His  feet  were  nailed  to  the  upright. 

1697.  How  ivas  the  cross  then  set  up  9 

The  soldiers  lifted  it  to  a  hole  in  the  ground  pre- 
pared for  it,  some  eighteen  inches  deep,  and  dropped  it 
in  ;  it  was  then  made  fast  by  wedges. 

1698.  How  many  times  did  Jesus  speak  after  He  was 
nailed  to  the  cross  ? 

Seven. 

1699.  When  did  He  speak  first,  and  what  were  His 
words  9 

Probably  just  as  the  rough  ignorant  soldiers  were 
nailing  Him  to  the  cross  ;  in  spite  of  His  suffering, 
His  thought  and  prayer  were  for  them.  "  Father, 
forgive  them  ;  for  they  know  not  what  they  do." 

1700.  What  was  it  customary  to  hang  over  the  head 
of  the  crucified  9 

A  board  smeared  with  white  gypsum  ;  on  it  written 
in  large  black  letters,  were  the  name  and  crime  of  the 
person  crucified. 

1701.  What  inscription  did  Pilate  cause  to  be  hung 
on  the  cross  of  Jesus  9 

An  inscription  in  three  different  languages,  Greek, 
Latin  and  Hebrew,  reading,  "  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  the 
King  of  the  Jews." 

1702.  When  the  chief  priests  of  the  Jews  read  this 
inscription,  how  were  they  affected  9 

They  were  furious  ;  they  considered  it  an  insult  that 
Pilate  should  call  this  man  their  king. 

1703.  What  did  they  do  9 

They  sent  to  Pilate  to  beg  him  to  alter  the  inscription  ; 
to  have  it  written,  that  Jesus  had  claimed  to  be  their 
king,  not  that  He  was  their  king. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  249 

1704.  Pilate,  angry  that  he  had  been  obliged  to  order 
the  crucifixion  of  Christ,  in  order  to  appease  the  Jews, 
had  intended  to  insult  them  publicly  before  the  thousands 
present  at  the  Passover,  by  calling  the  Christ  whom  they 
hated,  their  King.     How  did  he  receive  the  message  of 
the  chief  priests  9 

No  doubt  he  was  glad  to  see  the  messengers,  for  he 
thus  knew  that  his  sarcastic  jest  had  done  its  work. 
His  answer  was,  "  What  I  have  written,  I  have  written." 
They  had  had  their  way  about  the  crucifixion,  he  would 
have  his  way  about  the  inscription  ;  so  it  remained 
as  it  was,  much  to  the  mortification  of  the  Sanhedrin. 

1705.  Who  were  crucified  at  the  same  time  with  Jesus  ? 
Two  robbers,  one  on  His  right  hand  and  the  other 

on  His  teft. 

1706.  The  clothing  of  a  person  executed  was  claimed 
by  the  soldiers  on  duty.     What  was  done  with  Christ's 
garments  ? 

The  four  soldiers  who  had  taken  actual  part  in  the 
crucifixion  divided  them. 

1707.  What  were  these  garments  ? 

Probably  a  loose,  flowing  outer  garment,  a  head  dress, 
a  pair  of  sandals,  a  girdle  and  a  tunic  or  under  garment, 
fitting  rather  closely  to  the  body,  reaching  from  the 
neck  to  the  ankles,  and  woven  all  in  one  piece. 

1708.  These  were  all  of  our  Lord's  worldly  property, 
and  they  fell  into  the  possession  of  the  four  soldiers  who 
drove  the  nails  into  His  hands  and  feet.     When  they 
had  divided  the  garments  as  best  they  could)  what  was 
done  with  the  tunic  or  under  garment  ? 

The  soldiers  said,  "  Let  us  not  rend  it,  but  cast  lots 
for  it,  whose  it  shall  be."  Gambling  was  a  favorite 
amusement  with  the  Romans  ;  so  by  a  throw  of  the 


250  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

dice,  it  was  decided  who  should  own  this  garment  of 
Christ. 

1709.  What  prophecy  did  these  rough  soldiers  thus 
unconsciously  fulfil?     (Psalm  xxii.  18.) 

"  They  part  my  garments  among  them,  and  cast  lots 
upon  my  vesture." 

1710.  The  chief  priests,  scribes  and  Pharisees,  not 
content  with  the  sight  of  Christ's  suffering  on  the  cross, 
began  to  hurl  at  Him,  insulting  words  and  taunts  ;  what 
did  they  say  9 

"  They  that  passed  by,  reviled  Him,  wagging  their 
heads,  and  saying,  Thou  that  destroyest  the  temple,  and 
buildest  it  in  three  days,  save  thyself.  If  thou  be  the 
Son  of  God,  come  down  from  the  cross." 

1711.  WJiat  did  some  of  the  chief  priests  and  scribes 


"  He  saved  others  ;  himself  he  cannot  save.  If  he  be 
the  King  of  Israel,  let  him  now  come  down  from  the 
cross,  and  we  will  believe  him." 

1712.  Even  the  soldiers  joined  in  tJie  mockery  ;  what 
did  they  say  9 

"  If  thou  be  the  King  of  the  Jews,  save  thyself." 

1713.  This  mockery  was  not  confined  to  words  alone  ; 
how  did  the  soldiers  tantalize  Him  9 

In  the  great  thirst  which  He  must  have  suffered, 
they  lifted  to  His  parched  lips  some  of  their  sour 
wine,  and  then  snatched  it  away  without  giving  Him 
any. 

1714.  What  does  St.  Luke  tell  us  one  of  the  robbers 
crucified  with   Christ  said  to  Him,  and  how   did  the 
other  robber  reply  9 

One  of  them  railed  on  Him,  saying,  "If  thou  be 
Christ,  save  thyself  and  us.  But  the  other,  answering, 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  251 

rebuked  him,  saying,  Dost  not  thou  fear  God,  seeing 
thou  art  in  the  same  condemnation  ?  And  we  indeed 
justly  ;  for  we  receive  the  due  reward  of  our  deeds  : 
but  this  man  hath  done  nothing  amiss." 

1715.  What  did  he  then  say  to  Jesus  9 

"Jesus,  Lord,  remember  me  when  thou  comest  into 
thy  kingdom."  And  the  suffering  Jesus,  silent  to  all 
the  jeers  and  taunts  of  the  multitude,  spoke  words  of 
comfort  to  the  robber,  who  recognized  in  Him  the 
Lord,  Christ.  "  Verily  I  say  unto  thee,  To-day  shalt 
thou  be  with  me  in  paradise/'  This  was  the  second 
time  He  had  spoken  on  the  cross. 

1716.  Amid  the  sea  of  upturned  faces,  full  of  hatred 
and  contempt,  did  Jesus  from  the  cross  see  any  friends  9 

Yes  ;  at  the  foot  of  the  cross  stood  a  little  group 
who  were  suffering  with  Him.  It  consisted  of  four 
women  and  one  man. 

1717.  Who  were  they  9 

Mary,  the  mother  of  Jesus,  Mary  Magdalene,  Mary, 
the  mother  of  James  the  Less,  Salome,  the  mother  of 
St.  John  and  James,  and  the  beloved  apostle  himself, 
St.  John. 

1718.  When  Mary  had  carried  the  infant  Jesus  into 
the  Temple,  what  had  the  aged  Simeon  there  prophe- 
sied 9 

That  a  sword  should  pierce  through  her  own  soul 
also.  Now  she  knew  what  he  had  meant.  For,  as  she 
watched  her  suffering  Son,  her  soul  was  pierced  with 
agony,  as  with  a  sword.  And  she  was  helpless  to  save 
Him.  She  dared  not  even  moisten  His  parched  lips. 

1719.  ffaqt  ancient  hymn  expresses  the  grief  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  9 

The  Stabat  Mater.     (The  mother  was  standing.) 


252  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"Near  the  cross  was  Mary  weeping, 
There  her  mournful  station  keeping, 

Gazing  on  her  dying  Son  : 
There  in  speechless  anguish  groaning, 
Yearning,  trembling,  sighing,  moaning, 

Through  her  soul  the  sword  had  gone  ! " 

1720.  When  Jesus  saw  the  mother  and  the  friend 
whom  He  loved,  standing  side  by  side,  what  did  He  say 
to  Mary  about  St.  John  9 

"  Woman,  behold  thy  son ! "  He  then  said  to  St. 
John,  "  Behold  thy  mother  !  " 

1721.  Thus  He  gave  the  two  He  loved  best  into  each 
other's  keeping.    From  that  hour  what  did  St.  John  do  ? 

He  took  Mary  to  his  own  home  and  cared  for  her. 

LESSON  LVII. 

ST.  MATT.  XXVII.  45-60  ;  ST.  MARK  XV.  33-46  ;  ST.  LUKE 
XXIII.  44-54  ;  ST.  JOHN  XIX.  28-42 

1722.  At  what  hour  of  the  day  (Friday)  was  Jesus 
nailed  to  the  cross  ? 

At  the  third  hour,  or  about  nine  o'clock. 

1723.  After  He  had  hung  on  the  cross  three  hours, 
what  happened  about  noontime  ? 

There  was  darkness  over  all  the  land  until  three 
o'clock,  when  Jesus  gave  up  the  ghost.  It  could  not 
have  been  an  ordinary  eclipse  of  the  sun  which  caused 
this  darkness.  The  Pharisees  had  asked  for  a  "  sign 
from  heaven  ; "  now  their  wish  was  granted.  It  was 
as  though  the  sun  refused  to  look  upon  this  awful  deed. 

1724.  In  His  agony,  what  were  the  next  words  which 
Christ  spoke  ? 

"  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou  forsaken  me  ?  " 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  253 

These  words  were  uttered  in  Aramaic.  ("  Eloi,  Eloi, 
lama  sabachthani.") 

1725.  What  did  some  who  stood  by  say,  when  they 
heard  these  words  ? 

"  This  man  calleth  for  Elias."  And  some  said,  "  Let 
be,  let  us  see  whether  Elias  will  come  to  save  him." 

1726.  The  torture  of  crucifixion,  after  the  first  hours, 
seemed  to  concentrate  into  the  one  agony  of  intolerable 
thirst.     This  intense  suffering  wrung  from  Christ  His 
next  words,  the  only  words  in  which  He  even  referred  to 
His  own  pain  ;  what  were  they  ? 

"  I  thirst."  There  was  a  large  jar  of  vinegar  or  sour 
wine  standing  close  by,  for  the  use  of  the  soldiers  ; 
they  filled  a  sponge  with  this  wine  and  put  it  on  a  stalk 
of  hyssop  and  held  it  to  Christ's  lips.  This  he  drank. 

1727.  Once  again  Jesus  spoke ;  ivhat  were  His  last 
words  ? 

"It  is  finished."  And  crying  with  a  loud  voice, 
Jesus  said,  "  Father,  into  thy  hands  I  commend  my 
spirit."  And  He  bowed  His  head  and  gave  up  the 
ghost.  (In  the  original  Greek  none  of  the  Evangelists 
say  "  He  died."  St.  Matthew  says,  "  He  let  go  his 
spirit ;  "  St.  John,  "  He  gave  up  his  spirit ;  "  the  other 
two,  "  He  breathed  out,"  thus  showing  that  the  sacrifice 
of  His  life  was  of  His  own  will.) 

1728.  What  happened  when  Christ's  spirit  had  fled  ? 
The  splendidly  embroidered  veil  of  the  great  Temple, 

which  divided  the  Holy  Place  from  the  Holy  of  Holies, 
was  torn  in  two  from  the  top  to  the  bottom  ;  the  earth 
quaked,  the  rocks  were  rent,  and  the  graves  or  tombs 
in  the  rocks  were  thus  opened. 

1729.  How  long  had  Jesus  been  on  the  cross  when  He 
gave  up  the  ghost  9 


254  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

Six  hours,  from  nine  in  the  morning  till  three  in  the 
afternoon.  In  some  cases  the  sufferer  hung  on  the 
cross  for  two  or  three  days  before  dying. 

1730.  How  was  the  multitude  affected  by  these  events, 
and  what  did  the  centurion  in  command  of  the  soldiers 
say? 

The  people  feared  greatly,  and  returned  to  the  city 
smiting  their  breasts.  The  centurion  had  probably 
witnessed  many  deaths,  but  the  patient  suffering,  the 
prayers,  the  cry  of  triumph,  the  victory  and  death  of 
this  majestic  sufferer  were  a  revelation  to  the  Roman 
officer,  and,  thrilled  by  the  wonderful  scene,  he  cried, 
"  Truly  this  man  was  the  Son  of  God." 

1731.  The  words,  "  1,  if  I  be  lifted  up,  will  draw  all 
men  unto  me,"  had  already  begun  to  be  fulfilled,  in  the 
case  of  the  penitent  robber  and  of  the  Roman  officer. 
In  the  meanwhile  what  petition  had  the  Jews  sent  to 
Pilate  ? 

There  was  a  Jewish  law  that  dead  bodies  should  be 
removed  before  nightfall.  The  next  day  being  their 
Sabbath,  and  a  high  day  and  a  festival,  they  were  par- 
ticularly anxious  that  the  bodies  should  not  remain  on 
the  crosses,  so  they  begged  Pilate  to  order  the  soldiers 
to  break  the  legs  of  the  sufferers,  in  order  to  hasten 
their  death. 

1732.  When  Pilate  had  given  his  consent  to  this  new 
cruelty,  what  did  the  soldiers  do  ? 

They  broke  the  legs  of  the  two  robbers,  who  were  still 
lingering  ;  but  when  they  came  to  Jesus,  they  saw  that 
He  was  already  dead,  so  "  they  brake  not  His  legs." 

1733.  What  did  one  of  the  soldiers  do  ? 

He  thrust  his  spear  into  Christ's  side,  and  immedi- 
ately there  flowed  from  the  wound  blood  and  water. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  255 

(It  has  been  held  by  eminent  medical  authorities  that 
the  water  which  flowed  with  the  blood  from  His  pierced 
side  .proves,  for  scientific  reasons,  that  Jesus'  heart 
actually  broke  with  grief.) 

1734.  Who  applied  to  Pilate  for  the  body  of  Christ  9 
Joseph  of  Arimathea,  a  rich  man,  a  member  of  the 

Sanhedrin,  and  a  secret  follower  of  Christ.  He  had 
probably  not  attended  the  meetings  of  the  Sanhedrin 
when  Jesus  had  been  condemned.  When  he  knew  that 
Jesus  was  dead,  he  went  boldly  to  Pilate  and  begged 
for  His  body. 

1735.  How  did  Pilate  receive  the  request  ? 

He  doubted  if  the  sufferer  could  be  yet  dead,  because 
death  by  crucifixion  very  rarely  occurred  under  thirty- 
six  hours.  When  the  centurion  assm-ed  him  of  the 
fact,  however,  he  gave  Joseph  permission  to  take  the 
body  of  Jesus,  which  otherwise  would  have  been  thrown 
with  the  bodies  of  the  two  thieves  into  a  common  grave 
in  the  potter's  field. 

1736.  Who  helped  Joseph  of  Arimathea  to  take  down 
the  body  of  Christ  from  the  cross,  and  prepare  it  for 
the  tomb  9 

Nicodemus,  another  member  of  the  Sanhedrin  ;  the 
same  who  came  to  Jesus  by  night  to  question  Him. 
He,  too,  was  a  silent  follower  of  Christ,  and  had  not 
been  present  at  Hi«  trial. 

1737.  What  did  he  bring  with  him  and  for  what 
purpose  9 

He  brought  a  mixture  of  myrrh  and  aloes,  about 
twelve  hundred  ounces,  with  which  to  embalm  the 
body.  Myrrh  is  the  gum  of  an  aromatic  shrub ;  and 
aloes,  from  its  strong  bitterness,  was  used  to  preserve 
the  bodies  of  the  dead. 


256  A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1738.  As  it  was  late  on  the  eve  of  the  Jewish  Sabbath, 
what  did  Joseph  and  Nicodemus  do  ? 

They  hastily  wrapped  the  body  of  Jesus,  with  the 
spices,  in  some  new  linen  which  Joseph  had  brought, 
meaning  to  return  after  the  Sabbath  and  complete  the 
embalming. 

1739.  What  did  they  then  do  f 

Joseph  owned  a  garden  near  Calvary  ;  here,  in  a 
mass  of  solid  rock,  he  had  hewn  a  tomb  for  himself  and 
family.  In  this  tomb,  which  had  never  yet  been  occu- 
pied, Joseph  and  Nicodemus  laid  the  body  of  Christ; 
and  when  they  had  rolled  a  great  stone  to  the  entrance, 
they  departed. 

LESSON  LVIII. 

ST.  MATT.  XXVII.  61-66;  XXVIII.  1-8;  ST.  MARK  XV.  47; 
XVI.  1-11  ;  ST.  LUKE  XXIII.  55,  56  ;  XXIV.  1-12  ;  ST. 
JOHN  XX.  1-18 

1740.  What  women  were  present  at  the  burial  of 
Christ  ? 

Mary  Magdalene,  Mary,  the  mother  of  Jesus,  and 
other  women  who  had  followed  Jesus  from  Galilee. 
They  wished  to  complete  the  unfinished  embalming  of 
Christ's  body,  so  they  hurried  home  to  prepare  more 
spices,  to  have  ready  early  in  the  morning  after  the 
Sabbath. 

1741.  It  was  then  Friday  evening,  or  the  beginning 
of  the  Jewish  Sabbath  ;  what  did  the  chief  priests  and 
Pharisees  do  ? 

They  went  to  Pilate,  saying,  "  Sir,  we  remember  that 
that  deceiver  said,  while  he  was  yet  alive,  After  three 
days  I  will  rise  again." 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  257 

1742.  What  did  these  words  of  the  Pharisees  prove  ? 
That  they  had  understood   Christ's   true  meaning, 

when  He  had  said,  "  Destroy  this  temple,  and  after 
three  days  I  will  raise  it  up,"  although  they  had  wil- 
fully taught  the  people  that  He  had  referred  only  to 
their  great  Temple. 

1743.  What  did  they  ask  Pilate  to  do  9 

"  Command  therefore  that  the  sepulchre  be  made  sure 
until  the  third  day,  lest  his  disciples  come  by  night,  and 
steal  him  away,  and  say  unto  the  people,  He  is  risen 
from  the  dead  :  so  the  last  error  shall  be  worse  than 
the  first." 

1744.  How  did  Pilate  reply  to  their  request  ? 

"  Ye  have  a  watch  ;  go  your  way,  make  it  as  sure 
as  ye  can."  By  these  words  he  granted  their  request, 
curtly  and  angrily,  as  it  were  :  "  Take  a  watch  and 
go!" 

1745.  What  did  the  priests  and  Pharisees  do  ? 
They  went  and  made  the  sepulchre  sure,  sealing  the 

stone,  and  setting  over  it  a  guard  of  Roman  soldiers. 

1746.  The  next  day  was  the  seventh  day,  the  Sabbath  ; 
during  this  day  the  women  who  had  been  at  Cfirist's 
tomb  rested,  as  their  Jewish  law  commanded.     What  did 
they  do  early  the  next  day,  the  first  day  of  the  week,  the 
first  Christian  Sabbath  and  the  first  great  Easter  day? 

Early  in  the  morning,  while  it  was  yet  dark,  Mary 
Magdalene,  Mary  the  mother  of  James,  Salome  (the 
mother  of  John),  and  Joanna,  and  others  with  them, 
set  out  for  the  sepulchre,  taking  with  them  the  spices 
they  had  prepared  to  finish  the  embalming  of  Christ's 
body. 

1747.  As  they  walked  together,  what  did  they  say 
among  themselves  f 

17 


258  A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

"  Who  shall  roll  us  away  the  stone  from  the  door  of 
the  sepulchre  ?  "  for  it  was  large  and  heavy. 

1748.  In  the  meantime,  what  does  St.  Matthew  tell 
us  had  happened  at  the  tomb,  early  this  Easter  morn- 
ing ? 

"  And  behold,  there  was  a  great  earthquake  :  for  the 
angel  of  the  Lord  descended  from  heaven,  and  came  and 
rolled  back  the  stone  from  the  door,  and  sat  upon  it. 
His  countenance  was  like  lightning,  and  his  raiment 
white  as  snow.  And  for  fear  of  him,  the  keepers  did 
shake  and  became  as  dead  men." 

1749.  When  the  women  therefore  drew  near  to  the 
sepulchre  and  looked  up,  what  did  they  find  9 

They  saw  the  stone  rolled  away  from  the  tomb,  and 
the  Holy  Body  no  longer  there. 

1750.  While  they  stood  amazed  at  this  discovery,  what 
did  Mary  Magdalene  do  9 

She  hurried  back  to  Jerusalem,  a  half-mile  distant, 
and  finding  St.  Peter  and  St.  John,  she  said  to  them, 
"  They  have  taken  away  the  Lord  out  of  the  sepulchre, 
and  we  know  not  where  they  have  laid  him."  It  had 
not  occurred  to  her  that  Christ  had  risen  from  the 
dead. 

1751.  Meanwhile,  as  the  women  who  had  remained 
were  standing  at  the  empty  tomb,  what  occurred  ? 

There  appeared  to  them  one,  or,  as  it  seemed  to 
some,  two  angels,  in  shining  garments  ;  and  they  were 
afraid. 

1752.  What  did  one  of  them  say  ? 

"  Fear  not  ye  :  for  I  know  that  ye  seek  Jesus,  which 
was  crucified."  "  Why  seek  ye  the  living  among  the 
dead  ?  He  is  not  here,  but  is  risen."  "  Come  see  the 
place  where  the  Lord  lay.  And  go  quickly,  and  tell  his 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  259 

disciples,  that  he  is  risen  from  the  dead,  and  behold  he 
goeth  before  you  into  Galilee  ;  there  shall  ye  see  him  : 
lo,  I  have  told  you." 

1753.  What  did  the  women  then  do  9 

They  hurried  off  to  find  the  Apostles  to  tell  them 
the  wonderful  news,  but  their  message  was  regarded 
as  an  idle  tale,  for  the  Apostles  could  not  believe  that 
Jesus  had  really  risen. 

1754.  Meanwhile,  what  were  St.  Peter  and  St.  John 
doing  f 

They  had  been  running  toward  the  sepulchre  with 
all  speed,  followed  by  Mary  Magdalene.  St.  John,  being 
the  younger  and  fleeter,  reached  the  tomb  first,  and 
looked  in,  but  did  not  enter. 

1755.  What  did  St.  Peter  do  9 

When  he  had  arrived,  he  entered  the  sepulchre, 
followed  by  the  more  timid  St.  John  ;  and  there  they 
found  the  linen  clothes  lying,  and  the  napkin  that  was 
about  the  Saviour's  head,  folded  and  lying  in  a  place 
by  itself. 

1756.  When  St.   John  saw  these  graveclothes  thus 
carefully  arranged,  proving  that  the  body  had  not  been 
taken  away  in  haste  by  an  enemy,  what  did  he  do  ? 

He  believed.  We  are  only  told  of  St.  Peter  that  he 
wondered.  "  For  as  yet  they  knew  not  the  scripture, 
that  he  must  rise  again  from  the  dead." 

1757.  What  did  the  two  disciples  then  do  f 

They  went  away  again  to  their  own  homes,  because 
nothing  more  could  be  done  at  the  tomb. 

1758.  Who  still  remained  alone  at  the  sepulchre  ? 
Mary  Magdalene  ;  she  had  followed  St.   Peter  and 

St.  John  back  to  the  tomb,  and  still  lingered  near, 
weeping. 


260  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

1759.  At  length,  stooping  to  look  into  the  tomb,  what 
did  she  see  f 

"  Two  angels  in  white  sitting,  the  one  at  the  head 
and  the  other  at  the  feet,  where  the  body  of  Jesus  had 
lain/' 

1760.  What  did  they  say  to  her  ? 

"Woman,  why  weepest  thou?"  And  she  said, 
"  Because  they  have  taken  away  my  Lord,  and  I  know 
not  where  they  have  laid  him." 

1761.  As  she  turned  away,  whom  did  she  see? 
Jesus,  but  knew  not  that  it  was  He.     And  Jesus  said 

to  her,  "  Woman,  why  weepest  thou  ?    whom  seekest 
thou  ?  " 

1762.  Whom  did  Mary  suppose  Jesus  to  be,  and  what 
did  she  say  to  Him  9 

She  thought  He  must  be  the  gardener,  as  He  was 
walking  in  the  garden  at  this  early  hour,  and  she  said 
to  Him,  "  Sir,  if  thou  have  borne  him  hence,  tell  me 
where  thou  hast  laid  him,  and  I  will  take  him  away." 

1763.  By  one  word,  uttered  in  the  tone  she  had  loved 
so  well,  Jesus  made  Himself  knoivn  to  her  in  an  instant. 
What  did  He  say  ? 

"  Mary ! "  Thus  "  He  calleth  his  own  sheep  by 
name." 

1764.  In  the  joy  and  rapture  of  this  recognition  what 
did  Mary  do  f 

She  turned  and  looked  into  His  face,  crying,  "  Rab- 
boni,  which  is  to  say,  Master." 

1765.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  her  ? 

"  Touch  me  not ;  for  I  am  not  yet  ascended  to  my 
Father  ;  but  go  to  my  brethren,  and  say  unto  them, 
I  ascend  unto  my  Father,  and  your  Father,  and  to  my 
God  and  your  God." 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  261 

1766.  What  is  it  generally  thought  Christ  meant  when 
He  said  ''Touch  me  not"? 

The  translation  gives  a  wrong  impression.  The 
Greek  verb  does  not  mean  to  handle,  to  touch,  but 
rather,  "  to  hold  on  to,"  to  cling  to.  He  would  teach 
Mary  that  the  old  earthly  intercourse  was  almost  over  ; 
He  was  soon  to  ascend,  and  the  new  and  heavenly  inter- 
course would  begin.  She  must  not  want  to  keep  Him 
bodily  on  the  earth. 

1767.  What  did  Mary  then  do  9 

She  went  and  told  the  disciples  that  the  Lord  had 
risen  and  she  had  seen  Him.  She  thus  became  the  first 
messenger  of  His  resurrection  to  them,  but  the  story 
seemed  so  incredible,  they  would  not  believe  it. 


LESSON  LIX. 

ST.  MATT.  XXVIII.  &-15  ;  ST.  MARK  XVI.  12,  13  ;  ST.  LUKE 
XXIV.  13-49  ;  ST.  JOHN  XX.  19-23 

1768.  To  whom  did  Jesus  next  appear  ? 

To  the  other  women,  who  seem  to  have  returned  to 
the  tomb  ;  when  He  met  them  He  greeted  them,  saying, 
"  All  hail !  "  And  they  fell  trembling  at  His  feet,  and 
worshipped  Him. 

1769.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  them  9 

"  Be  not  afraid  :  go  tell  my  brethren  that  they  go 
into  Galilee,  and  there  shall  they  see  me." 

1770.  What  had  become  of  the  Roman  guard  stationed 
at  the  tomb  ? 

They  had  gone  to  the  palace  of  the  High  Priest,  and 
informed  Caiaphas  and  Annas  of  the  wonderful  things 


262  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

which  had  happened  at  the  sepulchre,  and  how  the  body 
of  Christ  had  gone. 

1771.  What  did  the  chief  priests  then  do  9 

They  called  a  meeting  of  the  Sanhedrin  ;  a  consul- 
tation was  held,  and  it  was  decided  to  offer  the  soldiers 
large  bribes  to  say  that  the  disciples  came  and  stole  the 
body  away  in  the  night,  while  they  slept. 

1772.  This  involved  some  danger  for  the  soldiers,  who 
might  le  punished  if  they  admitted  that  they  slept  at 
their  posts.     What  did    the  Sanhedrin  promise    the 
soldiers  9 

That  if  the  matter  should  come  to  Pilate's  notice, 
they  would  persuade  him  (probably  by  bribes  also)  to 
overlook  it. 

1773.  What  was  the  result  ? 

The  soldiers  "  took  the  money,  and  did  as  they  were 
taught :  and  this  saying  is  commonly  reported  among 
the  Jews  until  this  day."  St.  Matthew  alone  relates 
this  incident. 

1774.  Our  Lord  had  now  appeared  twice  since  His 
resurrection,  once  to  Mary  Magdalene  and  once  to  other 
women  at  the  tomb  ;  we  are  told  of  five  appearances  on 
that  day  of  the  resurrection;  to  whom  was  the  third 
appearance  f 

It  would  seem,  from  a  notice  by  St.  Paul  (1  Cor. 
xv.  5),  and  from  St.  Luke  (xxiv.  34),  that  the  third 
appearance  was  to  St.  Peter,  perhaps  while  still  in  the 
garden. 

1775.  To  whom  was  Christ's  fourth  appearance  9 

To  two  disciples,  Cleopas,  and  another,  whose  name 
is  not  given,  neither  of  whom  was  an  apostle.  Early  in 
the  afternoon  of  the  resurrection  day  these  two  men 
were  walking  from  Jerusalem  to  Emmaus,  a  small  vil- 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  263 

lage  about  six  or  seven  miles  distant  ;  they  were  talking 
sorrowfully  of  the  awful  events  of  the  last  two  days, 
when  Jesus  drew  near  and  joined  them. 

1776.  Did  they  recognize  Him  ? 

No.  St.  Luke  tells  us  that  their  eyes  were  holden 
and  they  knew  Him  not. 

1777.  On  this  account  therefore,   the  two    disciples 
on  their  way  to  Emmaus  did  not  at  first  recognize 
their  risen  Lord.      They  stopped  and  looked  at  the 
supposed  stranger  who  had  joined  them,  possibly  dis- 
pleased at  the  intrusion.      What    did   Jesus  say  to 
them  9 

He  asked  them  what  they  were  talking  about,  that 
they  should  seem  so  sad. 

1778.  What  did  Cleopas  reply  9 

"  Art  thou  only  a  stranger  in  Jerusalem,  and  hast 
not  known  the  things  which  are  come  to  pass  there  in 
these  days  ?  " 

1779.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  this  9 

"  What  things  ?  "  said  Jesus.  And  they  replied, 
'  Concerning  Jesus  of  Nazareth,  which  was  a  prophet 
mighty  in  deed  and  word,  whom  the  chief  priests  and 
rulers  condemned  to  death  and  crucified.  But  we 
trusted  he  would  have  redeemed  Israel.' 

1780.  What  else  did  they  say  9 

1  Beside  all  this,  to-day  is  the  third  day  since  his 
death,  and  certain  women,  who  went  early  to  the  tomb, 
have  amazed  us  by  saying  that  his  body  was  not  there, 
and  that  they  saw  a  vision  of  angels  which  said  he  was 
alive  ;  but  they  saw  him  not.' 

1781.  To    their    surprise,   how    did    Jesus    answer 
them  f 

He  rebuked  them  and  said  they  were  foolish,  and  slow 


264  A  -LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

to  believe  all  that  the  prophets  had  spoken.  "  Ought  not 
Christ  to  have  suffered  these  things  and  to  enter  into 
his  glory  ?  " 

1782.  What  did  He  then  do  9 

Beginning  at  Moses  and  the  prophets,  He  explained 
to  them  all  the  things  in  the  Old  Testament  concerning 
Himself ;  how  the  prophecy  was  of  the  suffering  as  well 
as  of  the  glory  of  Christ. 

1783.  While  He  was  thus  speaking,  they  approached 
the  little  town  of  Emmaus  ;  what  occurred  there  9 

As  they  neared  the  village,  Jesus  would  have  gone 
further,  but  they  urged  Him  not  to  leave  them,  saying, 
"Abide  with  us  ;  for  it  is  toward  evening,  and  the  day 
is  far  spent."  It  is  this  verse  which  suggested  the 
beautiful  hymn,  "  Abide  with  me,  fast  falls  the  even- 
tide." 

1784.  What  did  Jesus  do  9 

He  went  with  them,  probably  to  an  inn,  and  as  they 
sat  at  meat  together,  He  took  bread,  and  blessed  and 
brake  it,  and  gave  to  them. 

1785.  What  happened  then  9 

Immediately  their  eyes  were  opened  and  they  knew 
Him ;  and  He  vanished  out  of  their  sight. 

1786.  What  did  they  say  to  each  other  9 

"  Did  not  our  heart  burn  within  us,  while  he  talked 
with  us  by  the  way,  and  while  he  opened  to  us  the 
scriptures  ?  " 

1787.  What  did  they  do  9 

They  returned  immediately  to  Jerusalem,  found  the 
eleven  Apostles  together,  and  told  them  what  had  hap- 
pened, and  how  they  had  recognized  the  risen  Christ 
in  breaking  of  bread. 

1788.  How  did  they  receive  the  news  9 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  265 

They  said,  "  The  Lord  is  risen  indeed,  and  hath  ap- 
peared to  Simon."  (Peter.) 

1789.  What  occurred  in  the  evening  of  that  first  great 
Easter  day  f 

As  the  Apostles  and  some  others  were  assembled  to- 
gether, with  closed  doors,  for  fear  of  the  Jews,  Jesus 
suddenly  appeared  in  the  midst  of  them  -and  said, 
"  Peace  be  unto  you." 

1790.  How  were  they  affected  by  this  sudden  appear- 
ance 9 

They  were  greatly  terrified,  supposing  they  saw  a 
spirit.  But  Jesus  said,  "  Why  are  ye  troubled  ?  And 
why  do  thoughts  arise  in  your  hearts  ?  Behold  my 
hands  and  my  feet,  that  it  is  I  myself  :  handle  me,  and 
see  ;  for  a  spirit  hath  not  flesh  and  bones,  as  ye  see  me 
have." 

1791.  When  He  had  thus  spoken  what  did  He  do  9 
He  showed  them  His  hands  and  His  feet,  where  the 

prints  of  the  nails  were  still  visible.  Overjoyed  at  the 
thought  that  their  dear  Master  was  with  them  once 
more,  they  were  still  afraid  to  believe  it  true,  for  very 

j°y- 

1792.  What  did  our  Lord  do  to  convince  them  still 
further  that  He  was  no  spirit  9 

He  said,  "  Have  ye  here  any  meat  ?  And  they  gave 
him  a  piece  of  a  broiled  fish,  and  of  an  honey-comb. 
And  he  took  it  and  did  eat  before  them." 

1793.  What  did  He  then  tell  them  9 

That  His  death  and  resurrection  were  but  the  fulfil- 
ment of  what  was  prophesied  of  Him  in  the  law  of 
Moses,  in  the  prophets,  and  in  the  Psalms. 

1794.  What  occurred  then  ? 

"  Then    opened   he   their  understanding  that   they 


266  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

might  understand  the  scriptures."  Thus  the  Apostles, 
until  then  so  slow  and  dull  of  understanding,  received 
the  knowledge  and  power  with  which  they  henceforth 
explained  them. 

1795.  What  words  did  our  Lord  add  ? 

That  they  were  His  chosen  witnesses  ;  and  that 
repentance  and  remission  of  sins,  should  be  preached  in 
His  name  among  all  nations,  beginning  at  Jerusalem. 

1796.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  to  them  for  the  second 
time  ? 

"Peace  be  imto  you  ;  as  my  Father  hath  sent  me, 
even  so  send  I  you.  And  when  he  had  said  this,  he 
breathed  on  them,  and  saith  unto  them,  Receive  ye 
the  Holy  Ghost." 

LESSON   LX. 
ST.  JOHN  XX.  24-29  ;  XXI.  1-17 

1797.  How  many  of  the  Apostles  were  present  at  this 
fifth  appearance  of  our  Lord  on  the  resurrection  day  ? 

Ten  ;  Thomas  Didymus  was  not  with  them  when 
Jesus  came. 

1798.  When  the  other  disciples  said  to  Thomas,  "We 
have  seen  the  Lord/'  what  did  he  say? 

"  Except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the  print  of  the 
nails,  and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and 
thrust  my  hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not  believe." 

1799.  A  week  after  this,  as  the  Apostles  were  again 
assembled  together,  what  occurred  ? 

Suddenly,  and  without  having  opened  the  closed 
doors,  Jesus  appeared  among  them,  as  before,  and  said, 
"Peace  be  unto  you."  This  time  Thomas  was  with 
the  other  ten. 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  267 

1800.  Wliat  did  Jesus  say  to  Thomas  ? 

"  Reach  hither  thy  finger,  and  behold  my  hands  ;  and 
reach  hither  thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side  ;  and 
be  not  faithless,  but  believing." 

1801.  Thomas  must  have  been  overcome  with  mingled 
feelings  of  surprise,  joy  and  shame,  as  he  at  last  recog- 
nized his  Master;  did  'he  touch  Jesus  f 

Whether  he  touched  Him  or  not  is  not  recorded  ; 
but  all  his  doubts  were  dispelled,  and  in  his  joy  he 
exclaimed,  "  My  Lord  and  my  God." 

1802.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  to  him  ? 

"  Because  thou  hast  seen  me,  thou  hast  believed  : 
blessed  are  they  that  have  not  seen  and  yet  have 
believed." 

1803.  Shortly  after  this  appearance  in  Jerusalem, 
whither  went  the  disciples  ? 

The  Passover  being  finished,  they  returned  once 
more  to  their  old  home  in  Galilee  on  the  Lake  of 
Gennesaret. 

1804.  One  evening  as  seven  of  the  disciples,  five  of 
whom  are  named  by  St.  John,  (Simon  Peter,  Thomas, 
Nathanael,  James  and  John)  were  standing  together  on 
the  shores  of  the  lake,  what  occurred  ? 

They  had  been  through  wonderful  scenes,  but  they 
must  live,  and  as  they  stood  watching  the  little  boats 
push  out  into  the  waters,  the  impulsive  Peter  felt  the 
longing  for  the  old  occupation  come  over  him,  and  he 
suddenly  cried,  "  I  go  a  fishing." 

1805.  What  did  the  others  say  9 

"  We  also  go  with  thee."  So  they  entered  into  a 
little  boat,  and  taking  with  them  their  nets,  they  pushed 
out  into  the  lake  to  fish. 

180G.    What  success  did  they  have  ? 


268  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

Although  they  spent  the  whole  night  on  the  water 
they  caught  nothing.  When  the  morning  was  come 
Jesus  stood  on  the  shore  watching  them,  but  they  knew 
Him  not. 

1807.  What  did  Jesus  say  to  them  ? 

"  Children,  have  ye  any  meat  ?  "  They  answered 
Him,  "  No."  And  He  said  to  them,  "  Cast  the  net  on 
the  right  side  of  the  ship,  and  ye  shall  find." 

1808.  What  was  -the  result  ? 

They  did  as  He  told  them,  and  the  net  was  so  full, 
they  were  not  able  to  draw  it  in. 

1809.  This  must  have  recalled  to  the  minds  of  the 
disciples  the  miraculous  draught  of  fishes  of  three  years 
before.      Who  was  the  first  to  recognize  Jesus  f 

St.  John  said  to  St.  Peter,  "  It  is  the  Lord."  The 
impulsive  Peter  was  always  the  first  to  act,  and  the 
thoughtful,  intelligent  John,  the  first  to  perceive  and 
understand. 

1810.  When  Simon  Peter  understood  that  it  was  the 
Lord,  what  did  he  do  ? 

Filled  with  joy,  and  eager  to  join  his  beloved  Master, 
he  cast  himself  into  the  sea  and  swam  ashore. 

1811.  What  did  the  other  disciples  do  9 

They  followed  St.  Peter  in  a  boat,  bringing  with  them 
the  fish,  and  when  they  were  landed,  they  found  a  fire 
of  charcoal,  and  fish  laid  thereon  and  bread. 

1812.  What  did  Jesus  then  say  ? 

"  Bring  of  the  fish  which  ye  have  now  caught."  Simon 
Peter  went  and  drew  in  the  net  which  contained  one 
hundred  and  fifty-three  large  fishes,  and  for  all  there 
were  so  many,  yet  was  not  the  net  broken. 

1813.  What  did  Jesus  say  next  9 

"Come  and  dine."     St.  John  tells  us  that  none  of 


A    LIFE    OP    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  269 

them  durst  ask  Him,  "  Who  art  them  ?  "  Though  they 
felt  sure  it  was  the  Lord,  yet  they  refrained  from  curi- 
ous questioning. 

1814.  So  they  all  sat  down  together  to  this  early  morn- 
ing meal.     When  it  was  over,  what  did  Jesus  say  to  St. 
Peter  9 

"  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  more  than 
these  ? "  And  Peter  answered,  "  Yea,  Lord  ;  thou 
knowest  that  I  love  thee." 

1815.  What  did  our   Lord  mean    by   "more    than 
these"? 

There  are  three  meanings  possible  ;  first,  He  might 
have  meant,  "  these  things  "  his  boat,  his  nets,  his  old 
life ;  secondly,  He  might  have  meant,  Lovest  thou  me 
more  than  thou  lovest  thy  companions  ?  thirdly,  Lovest 
thou  me  more  than  thy  companions  love  me  ?  The  last 
is  the  most  probable. 

1816.  What  boast  had  St.   Peter  made    before  the 
crucifixion,  and  how  had  he  failed  ? 

He  had  boasted  that  he  would  die  for  Christ,  and 
though  all  the  rest  might  deny  Him,  he  never  would. 
And  yet,  on  the  night  of  Christ's  trial  he  denied  Him 
three  times.  Jesus  wished  to  recall  this  boast,  and 
asked  him  if  he  still  thought  himself  more  devoted  than 
the  other  disciples. 

1817.  We  see  by  St.  Peter's  answer,  in  which  he  does 
not  compare  his  love  to  that  of  the  others,  that  he  had 
learned  not   to  trust  himself.      What  did  Jesus  say, 
when  St.  Peter  replied,  "  Yea,  Lord,  thou  knowest  that 
I  love  thee  "  ? 

"  He  saith  unto  him,  Feed  my  lambs." 

1818.  What  did  Jesus  say  a  second  time  to  Peter  9 

"  Simon  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me?  "     And  again 


270  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

St.  Peter  answered,  "  Yea,  Lord  :  thou  knowest  that  I 
love  thee."     And  Jesus  said,  "Feed  my  sheep." 

1819.  What  did  Jesus  say  the  third  time  ? 

"  Simon,  son  of  Jonas,  lovest  thou  me  ?  "  St.  Peter 
was  grieved  at  being  asked  the  same  question  three 
times,  and  he  said,  "  Lord,  thou  knowest  all  things  ; 
thou  knowest  that  I  love  thee."  And  Jesus  said,  "  Feed 
my  sheep." 

LESSON  LXI. 

ST.  JOHN  XXI.  18-24  ;  ST.  MATT.  XXVIII.  16-20  ;  ACTS  I.  3-12  ; 
ST.  LUKE  XXIV.  50-53  ;  ST.  MARK  XVI.  19,  20 

1820.  St.    Peter  had  denied  his   Lord  three  times, 
therefore  Jesus  made  him  affirm  his  love  three  times.    In 
ivhat  words  did  our  Lord  then  foretell  St.  Peter's  death 
and  the  manner  of  it  ? 

"  When  thou  wast  young,  thou  girdedst  thyself,  and 
walkedst  whither  thou  wouldest  :  but  when  thou  shalt 
be  old,  thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thy  hands,  and  another 
shall  gird  thee,  and  carry  thee  whither  thou  wouldest 
not."  And  when  he  had  spoken  thus,  He  said  unto  him, 
"Follow  me." 

1821.  What  did  He  mean  ly  these  words  ? 

He  prophesied  the  martyrdom  of  St.  Peter,  who  was 
crucified  at  Rome,  over  thirty  years  later.  The  tradi- 
tion is  that  he  requested  to  be  crucified  head  downwards, 
because  he  was  not  worthy  to  die  the  same  death  as  his 
Lord. 

1822.  Then  St.  Peter  turning,  saw  St.  John  ;  what 
question  did  he  ask  Jesus  concerning  him  ? 

"  Lord,  and  what  shall  this  man  do  ?  "  Jesus  an- 
swered, "  If  I  will  that  he  tarry  till  I  come,  what  is  that 


A   LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  271 

to  thee  ?  follow  thou  me. "  St.  John's  lot  was  to  wait, 
while  St.  Peter's  was  to  die. 

1823.  A  second  time  Christ  appeared  to  the  Eleven  in 
Galilee.      What  can  you  say  of  this  appearance,  and 
who  were  present  ? 

It  occurred  on  a  mountain,  whither  Jesus  had 
directed  them  to  go,  and  there  were  probably  present 
the  five  hundred  brethren,  of  whom  St.  Paul  speaks. 
(1  Cor.  xv.  6.) 

1824.  What  did  the  people  do  when  they  saw  him  ? 
Some  doubted  whether  it  were  really  He,  but  when 

the  Eleven  saw  Him,  they  worshipped  Him. 

1825.  What  charge  did  Jesus  give  to  the  Eleven  ? 
"Go  ye  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations,  baptizing 

them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of 
the  Holy  Ghost :  teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I  have  commanded  you :  and  lo,  I  am  with 
you  alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world." 

182G.  Since  His  resurrection,  what  had  our  Lord 
taught  His  disciples  ? 

That  He  could  be  with  them  always  and  yet  be 
unseen  by  them.  Thus  they  could  the  more  easily 
understand  and  believe  this  blessed  promise. 

1827.  Our  Lord,  after  His  resurrection,  was  the  same, 
yet  not  the  same  ;  describe  the  change. 

In  His  hands  and  feet  were  the  nail  prints,  in  His 
side  the  spear  wound,  the  tones  of  His  voice  were  the 
same  ;  He  ate  with  His  disciples,  talked  with  them  and 
blessed  them  ;  yet  His  risen  body  was  not  subject  to 
the  laws  of  time  and  space  ;  He  appeared  suddenly 
through  closed  doors,  and  vanished  just  as  suddenly. 

1828.  When  the   Apostles    had  tarried   in    Galilee 
about  a  month,  whither  did  they  go? 


272  A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE 

They  returned  to  Jerusalem  as  the  Feast  of  Pentecost 
was  at  hand. 

1829.  What  was  that  feast  ? 

The  Harvest  Feast.  Its  principal  feature  was  the 
offering  of  two  leaven  loaves  made  from  the  new 
corn. 

1830.  As  the  Apostles   were  assembled    together  in 
Jerusalem  how  did  Jesus  appear  to  them  ? 

St.  Paul  tells  us  (1  Cor.  xv.  7)  that  after  that,  He 
was  seen  of  James  ;  then  of  all  the  Apostles. 

1831.  What  directions  did  He  give  them  ? 

"  Behold,  I  send  the  promise  of  my  Father  upon  you  : 
but  tarry  ye  in  the  city  of  Jerusalem,  until  ye  be 
endued  with  power  from  on  high." 

1832.  What  did  they  ask  of  Him  f 

"  Lord,  wilt  thou  at  this  time  restore  again  the  king- 
dom to  Israel ?  " 

1833.  What  was  Christ's  reply  9 

"  It  is  not  for  you  to  know  the  times  or  the  seasons 
which  the  Father  hath  put  in  his  own  power.  But  ye 
shall  receive  power  after  that  the  Holy  Ghost  is  come 
upon  you." 

1834.  How  long  after  His  resurrection,  did  Christ 
remain  on  earth  ? 

Forty  days. 

1835.  At  the  end  of  the  forty  days  what  occurred? 

Jesus  led  the  Eleven  out  of  Jerusalem  as  far  as  Beth- 
any, on  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Mount  of  Olives,  and 
lifting  up  His  hands,  He  blessed  them,  and  while  He 
blessed  them,  He  was  parted  from  them ;  and  a  cloud 
received  Him  out  of  their  sight,  and  He  was  carried  up 
into  heaven. 

1836.  As  they  gazed  in  wonder,  ivith  upturned  faces 


A    LIFE    OF    CHRIST    FOR    YOUNG    PEOPLE  273 

at  the  luminous  cloud  which  enclosed  their  Lord,  who 
appeared  to  them  ? 

Two  angels  in  shining  white  raiment,  who  said,  "  Ye 
men  of  Galilee,  why  stand  ye  gazing  up  into  heaven  ? 
this  same  Jesus  which  is  taken  up  from  you  into  heaven, 
shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have  seen  him  go 
into  heaven." 

1837.  After  this  wonderful  scene  of  the  Ascension, 
what  did  the  Eleven  do  ? 

They  returned  to  Jerusalem  with  great  joy,  and  were 
continually  in  the  Temple,  praising  and  blessing  God. 

1838.  Why  could  they  be  joyful  when  they  had  lost 
forever  the  visible  presence  of  their  dear  Lord  ? 

Because  of  His  parting  promise  :  "  Lo,  I  am  with  you 
alway,  even  unto  the  end  of  the  world."  All  their 
doubts  were  cleared  away  ;  at  last  they  understood  the 
Kingdom  of  Heaven  ;  it  was  in  their  own  hearts,  and 
it  made  them  glad. 

1839.  Where  in  the  New   Testament  do  ive  find  the 
subsequent  history  of  the  Apostles  and  their  work  9 

In  the  Book  of  the  Acts  of  the  Apostles,  which  opens 
with  an  account  of  the  Ascension  of  Christ. 


INDEX 


PAGE 

PAGE 

Aceldama,                 , 

230 

Blind  man  healed  at  Bethsaida, 

118 

Adoration  of  the  Magi,    . 

9 

Blind  men,  two,  healed,    . 

101 

Andrew,  an  apostle, 

73 

Blind,  the  man  born,  healed,  . 

134 

follows  Jesus,    .       .       , 

80 

arraigned, 

135 

John's  disciple, 

30 

converted, 

137 

Anna,  the  prophetess,      .       ,       , 

9 

Bodies,  how  prepared,  for  burial    . 

172 

Annas  examines  Jesus,    . 

230 

Bread  of  Life,  discourse  pn  the, 

111 

Annunciation,  the,    .... 

5 

Builders,  parable  of  the  two,   . 

80 

Antipas.    See  Herod, 

Antonia,  castle  of,     . 

238 

6 

Apostles,  chosen,      .... 

73 

118 

forsake  Jesus,  . 

229 

Caiaphas,   

173 

names  of  the,    . 

73 

examines  Jesus, 

230 

return  of  the,    . 

106 

Calvary,     

245 

sent  forth, 

103 

Cana,  marriage  at,    . 

32 

Arrest  of  Jesus,        .... 

228 

Capernaum,       

33 

Ascension  of  Jesus,  .... 

273 

day  of  miracles  at, 

60 

Augustus,  

3 

Jesus  dwells  at,     . 

56 

Authority  of  Christ  questioned,    43, 

195 

Centurion's  servant  healed, 

81 

Cephas.    See  Peter. 

Baptism  of  Jesus,      .       .       ,       . 

25 

Childhood  of  Jesus, 

11 

Baptist.    See  John, 

Children  blessed,      .... 

178 

Barabbas,  .               . 

241 

cry  hosanna, 

195 

Bartholomew.    Ste  Nathanael. 

Christ.    See  Jesus. 

Bartimeus,          ..... 

184 

Cleopas,     

262 

76 

Confession  of  Peter, 

119 

Bethabara,  Jesus  at,         ... 

154 

Council.    See  Sanhedrln. 

Bethany,  Jesus  at,     . 

152 

Counting  the  cost,  discourse  on, 

158 

Bethesda,  pool  of,     . 

67 

Covetousness,  discourse  on,     . 

146 

cripple  healed  at, 

68 

Cripple  healed  at  Bethesda, 

68 

Bethlehem,  Jesus  born  at, 

5 

Cross,  described,       .... 

246 

babes  of,  murdered, 

10 

Crucifixion,  described, 

245 

Bethphage,        

189 

of  Jesus, 

247 

Bethsaida,          ..... 

106 

Bethsaida-Julias,      .... 

106 

Darkness  over  the  land,    .       .       . 

252 

Betrayal  of  Jesus,             , 

228 

Day  of  miracles  at  Capernaum, 

60 

Birth  of  Jesus,  

7 

Deaf  and  dumb  man  healed  in  De- 

Blind  Bartimeus, 

m 

CAIKJHS,     . 

115 

276 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Death  of  Jesus,         ...        .253 
Debtors,  parable  of  the  two,    .       .    86 

Decapolis, 115 

Dedication,  feast  of,         ...  152 
Jesus  at  the  feast  of,    .153 
Demoniac,  blind  and  dumb  healed,    87 
healed  in  synagogue  at 

Capernaum,        .       .    CO 

of  Gadara,      .       .       .    96 

Denial  of  Peter,         .        .        .        .231 

the  third,         .        .  234 

Disciples  dispute,      .        .        .  126, 219 

pi  uck  corn  on  the  Sabbath,    71 

of  John,  jealous,      .       .    46 

true  and  false,  .       .       .80 

Discourses  of  Jesus,  at  a  Pharisee's 

table,  .  .  155 
Bread  of  Life,  .  Ill 
Counting  the 

cost,  .  .  158 
Covetousness,  .  146 
eating  with  un- 
washen  hands,  113 
farewell,  .  .  222 
Good  Shepherd,  138 
Watchfulness, .  211 

Dives, 166 

Drag-net,  parable  of  the,  .        .        .94 

Draught  of  fishes,  first,    .        .        .58 

second,       .        .  268 

Dropsy,  man  with,  healed,       .        .  155 

Dumb   man   with   an    evil    spirit 

healed, 101 


Easter  Sunday,  . 
Ecce-Homo, 
Elizabeth,  . 
Emmatis,  Jesus  at,    . 
Ehpraim,    . 
Essenes,  sect  of  the, . 
Eucharist  instituted, 
Evangelists,  the  four, 

Feasts,  Dedication,  . 
Passover, 
Pentecost,     . 
Tabernacles, 


257 
243 

19 
264 
174 

17 

222 

1 

152 
12 

272 
128 


PAOE 

Feasts,  Unleavened  bread,       .       .217 

Fig-tree,  cursed,       .       .       .       .193 

parable  of  the,   .        .        .  148 

First  miracle  of  Jesus,      .        .        .32 

prophecy  of  Jesus,  .        .        .44 

Fishes,  first  draught  of,   .        .        .58 

second  draught  of,       .        .  268 

Five  thousand  fed,    ....  106 

Flight  into  Egypt,    ....    10 

Foolish  rich  man,  parable  of  the,    .  146 

Four  thousand  fed,  ....  116 

Friend  at  midnight,  parable  of  the,  144 

Funeral  customs  of  the  Jews, .        .    83 

Gabbatha, 241 

Gabriel,  announcement  of,  to  Mary,  5 
Gadara,  demoniac  of,        .        .        .96 

Galileans  slain  by  Pilate,          .        .  148 
Galilee,  description  of,      .        .        .52 

Sea  of, 57 

Gethsemane,  garden  of,   .        .        .  225 

Golgotha, 245 

Good  Samaritan,  parable  of  the,     .  142 

Good  Shepherd,  discourse  of  the,   .  138 

Gospels,  the  four,     ....  1 

Great  Supper,  parable  of  the,  .        .  157 

Greeks  seek  Jesus,    ....  207 

Hades, 1C5 

Hermon,  Mount,        ....  121 

Herod  Antipas, 47 

gives  a  feast,  .        .104 
mocks  Jesus,  .        .  241 
Herod  the  Great,       ....      6 
palace  of,  at  Jeru- 
salem,       .        .  237 

Herodians, 73 

Herodias, 47 

bids  Salome  ask  for  John's 

head,  .  .  .  .104 
High  Priest,  office  of,  .  .  .173 
Houses,  described,  ...  .63 


Infirm  woman  healed, 
Innocents,  massacre  of  the, 


.  149 
.    10 


Jacob's  well, 47 


INDEX 


277 


PAGE 

Jainis1  daughter  raised   from  the 

dead, 98 

James,  the  elder,  called,  .        .        .59 

an  apostle,    .        .    73 

James,  the  less,  an  apostle,      .       .    74 

Jericho 185 

Jerusalem, 34 

Jesus  weeps  over,    .       .  191 

meaning  of  word,    .        .  191 

population  of,          .        .    34 

Jesus  Christ,  among  the  doctors,    .    13 

anointed  by  Mary  of 

Bethany,  .  .  188 
anointed  by  woman 

at  Simon's  table,  .  85 
appears  to  Mary  Mag- 
dalene, .  .  200 
to  women  of  Galilee,  201 
to  St.  Peter,  .  .  202 
to  two  disciples,  .  263 
to  ten  disciples,  .  265 
to  eleven  disciples, .  266 
to  seven  disciples,  .  267 
on  a  mountain  in 

Galilee,         .        .  271 
to  James,         .        .  272 
final  appearance,     .  273 
arrest  of ,     .       .       .228 
ascension  of,       .        .  273 
authority    of,     ques- 
tioned,    .        .    43,  195 
baptism  of,  .    25 

betrayed,  .  .  .228 
birth  of ,  .  .  .7 
blesses  little  children,  178 
childhood  of,  .  .  11 
condemned  by  Pilate,  244 
condemned  by  Sanhe- 

drin,  .  .  .235 
crucified,  .  .  .247 
curses  the  fig-tree,  .  193 
dines  with  Pharisee,  .  155 
dinea  with  Simon  the 

Pharisee,        .       .    84 
examined  by  Annas, .  230 
examined      by     C'ai- 
aphas,     .       .       .290 


PAGE 

Jesus  Christ,  examined  by  Herod,  .•  240 
examined  by  Pilate, 

238, 241 

garments  divided,      .  249 
insulted,      .        .        .243 
journeys  toward  Jeru- 
salem,    .       .       .  139 
laments  over  Jerusa- 
lem,        .        .        .206 
led  to  Calvary,    .        .  245 
miracles  of.    See  mir- 
acles, 
mocked  by  Herod  An- 

tipas,  .  .  .241 
mocked  by  soldiers,  .  243 
mocked  on  the  cross,  250 
nailed  to  the  cross,  .  217 
Nazarenesseektokill,  5(J 
Nicodemus  and,  .  45 
officers  sent  to  arreet,  131 
Parables  of.  See  para- 
bles. 

pierced,  .  .  .  254 
presentation  of,  .  -  .  8 
prophecies  of.  See 

prophecies. 

purges  the  temple,     .    43 
purges  the  temple,  sec- 
ond time,        .        .  194 
questioned     by     the 

Jews,      .        .        .201 
questions  the   Phari- 
sees,        .        .        .205 
resurrection  of,  .        .  258 
Samaritan       woman 

and,  .  .  .48 
scourged,  .  .  .  242 
sermon  of,  on  the 

mount,    .        .        .74 
sups  at  house  of  Si- 
mon the  leper,         .  1H8 
teaches    disciples    to 

pray,  .  .  79-143 
tempted,  .  .  .20 
transfiguration  of,  .  121 
trial  of,  .  .  .232 
triumphal  entry  of,  .  189 


278 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Jesus  Christ,  utters    wods    against 

Pharisees,  .  145,  206 
walks  on  the  sea,  .  108 
Warned  against  Herod 

Antipas, .  .  .  151 
washes  the  disciples' 

feet,  .  .  .219 
weeps  at  the  death  of 

Lazarns,  .       .       .  170 
weeps  over  Jerusalem,  191 
Zaccheus  and,    .       .  185 
Jews,  funeral  customs  of  the,  .        .    83 
hated  by  Samaritans,      .        .    49 
manner  of  preparing  the  Pass- 
over, ;  217 
mourning  customs  of  the,      .    99 
religion  among  the,        »        .    15 
seek  to  stone  Jesus,        .        .  133 
social  customs  of  the,    .        .    85 
tombs  of  the,  .       .       ,       .171 
wedding  customs  of  the^       .  212 
John  the  Baptist,  baptism  of,    .       .    24 
birth  of  <        >       .    21 
cast  into  prison,    .    47 
death  of,        <       .  105 
disciples  of,   jeal- 

ouSj  .  .  .46 
mannet  of  life,  .  22 
ministry  of,  begun;  23 
parents  of,  .  .  19 
points  out  JesuSj  .  30 
preaching  of,  .  24 
questioned  by  8an- 

hedrin,        .        .    29 
sends    messengers 

to  Jesus,     .        .    84 

John  the  Evangelist,  an  apostle,       .    73 

called,      .       .    59 

disciple  of  John 

the  Baptist,  .    30 
follows    Jesus,    30 
with  Peter,  pre- 
pares the  sup- 
per,      .        .  217 
with  Peter,  vis- 
its the  tomb,  259 
writings  of, 


PAGE 

Jordan,  the  river,  ....  23 
Joseph,  husband  of  Mary,  .  .  5 
Joseph  of  Arimathea,  .  .  .  255 
with  Nicodemus, 

buries  Jesus,  .  256 
Judas  Iscariot,  an  apostle,  .  .  74 
betrays  Jesus,  .  228 
offers  to  betray  Je- 
sus, .  .  .216 
euicideofj  .  .  236 
Jude,  an  apostle,  .  .  .  .74 
Judea, 3 

Laborers  in  the  vineyard,  parable  of 

the, 181 

Last  supper,  the*  ....  218 
Lawyer  questions  Jesus,  .  .  .141 

Lazarus, 151 

death  of,  .  .  .  .168 
family  of,  social  position,  1C9 
raised  from  the  dead,  .  172 
tomb  of,  .  .  .  .  171 
Leaven,  parable  of  the<  .  .  .93 
Lebbaens.  See  Jude. 
Legion  cast  out,  ...  .96 

Leper  healed, 62 

Lepers,  the  ten,  healedj     .        .        .  174 
Leprosy  described,    .       .       .       .61 
Levi.    See  Matthew. 
Lord's  Prayer,  the,  .        .     79,  143 

Lord's  supper  instituted,  .  .  222 
Lost  piece  of  silver,  parable  of  the,  160 
Lost  sheep,  parable  of  the,  .  .159 
Luke,  writings  of ,  .  .  .  .2 
Lunatic  child  healed,  .  .  .123 

Magdala,  Pharisees  request  signs  at,  117 
Magi,  adoration  of  the,  ...  9 
Malchus'  ear  healed,  .  .  .  228 
Mammon  of  unrighteousness,  .  164 
Mark,  the  evangelist,  ...  1 
Marriage  of  the  king's  son,  parable 

of  the, 198 

Martha  Converses  with  Jesus,  .  .  152 
Mary  Magdalene,  .  .  .  .87 

at  the  tomb  of  Je- 
sus, .        .        .256 

Jesus  appears  to,  260 


INDEX 


279 


PAGE 

Mary,  mother  of  Jesus,  <        ,      6 

at  the  cross,  251 
committed 
to  John's 
care,        .  251 
visits      the 

tomb,      .  256 

Mary  of  Bethany,     <        .        .        .151 
anoints  Jesus,-    ;  188 
chooses  the  bet- 
ter part,  .        .  152 

Massacre  of  the  innocents,       .       4    10 

Matthew,  the  evangelist,          .       .     1 

an  apostle,        .       .       .74 

call  of)  i        i    65 

gives  a  feast,     .       .       .66 

Messianic  prophecies,      ...      4 

Midnight  examination  of  Jesus,      <  230 

Miracles  of  Jesus : 

__^beggar,  born  blind,  healed,  .  134 
blind  Bartimeus  healed,  .  184 
blind  man  of  Bethsaida,  .  118 
blind  men,  two,  restored,  .  101 
.-centurion's  servant  healed,  .  81 
cripple  healed  at  pool  of  Beth- 

esda, 68 

deaf  and  dumb  man  healed  in 

Decapolis,  .  .  .  .115 
demoniac  healed,  .  .  .60 
demoniac  blind  and  dumb 

healed, 87 

demoniac  of  Oadara,      .       .    96 

draught  of  fishes,    .       .       .68 

second,      .  268 

dropsy,  man  with,  healed,  .  155 
dumb  man  with  a  devil 

healed,  .  .  .  .101 
fig-tree  withered,  .  .  .193 

first, 32 

five  thousand  fed,  .  .  .106 
four  thousand  fed,  ,  .  116 
infirm  woman  healed,  .  .  149 
Jairus1  daughter  raised,  .  98 
Lazarus  raised,  .  .  .167 
Legion  cast  out,  .  .  .96 
leper,  cleansed,  .  .68 

lepers,  ten,  cleansed,  .  .  174 
I ii u;itii;  child  healed,  .  .123 


PAGE 

Miracles  of  Jesus  : 

Malchus'  ear  healed,       .  .  228 

nobleman's  son  healed,  .    53 

paralytic  healed)  ,  .  .  64 
Peter'swife'smotherhcaled,  60 

stater  in  the  fish's  mouth,  .  126 

Syrophenician  girl  healed,  .  114 

tempest  stilled,        .        .  .95 

walking  on  the  sea,         .  .  108 

water  made  wine,            .  .    32 

widow's  son  raised,        .  .    82 

withered  hand  restored,  .    72 

Miraculous  draught  of  fishes,  .  .    58 
second,  168 

Mourning  customs  of  the  Jews,  .    99 

Mustard  seed,  parable  of  the,  .  .    93 

Nain,  the  widow  of,  .       .        .        .82 

Nathanael,  an  apostle,      .       .       .74 

follows  Jesus,        .       .    31 

Nazarenes  seek  to  kill  Jesus,    .       .    56 

Nazareth,  11 

Jesus  in  the  synagogue  at,   54 

Jesus  rejected  at,      ,       .56 

Nazarite,    .......    22 

Nicodemus  and  Jesus,      .        .        .45 
intercedes  with  council 

for  Jesus,    .        .        .131 
with  Joseph,  buries  the 

body  of  Jesus,    .        .  255 
Nobleman's  son  healed,    ,        .        .53 

Officers  sent  to  seize  Jesus,      .       .  131 
Olives,  Mount  of,      ....  210 

Palestine, 3 

climate  of, .       .       .       .  153 

Palm  Sunday, 1U2 

Parables  of  Jesus : 

Builders,  the  two,  .  .  .80 
Debtors,  the  two,  ,  .  .86 

Drag-net, 94 

Fig-tree 148 

Foolish  rich  man,  .  .  .  146 
Friend  at  midnight,  ,  .  144 
Good  Samaritan,  .  .  .  142 
Great  supper,  ....  157 
Laborers  in  the  vim-yard,  .  181 
Leaven,  the,  .  .  .98 


280 


INDEX 


PAGE 

Parables  of  Jesus : 

Lost  piece  of  silver,  .  .  160 
Lost  sheep,  ....  159 
Marriage  of  the  king's  sou,  .198 
Mustard  seed,  ....  93 
Pearl  of  great  price,  .  .  94 
Pharisee  and  publican,  .  .  177 
Pounds,  the,  .  .  .  .186 
Prodigal  son,  .  .  .  .160 
Rich  man  and  Lazarus,  .  .  165 
Sower,  the,  ....  90 
Talents,  the,  .  .  .  .213 
Tares,  the,  ....  92 
Ten  virgins,  the,  .  .  .211 
Treasure  hid  in  a  field,  .  .  94 
Two  sons,  the,  .  .  .106 
Unjust  judge,  the,  .  .  .176 
Unjust  steward,  .  .  .  163 
Unmerciful  servant,  the,  .  128 
Wicked  husbandmen,  the,  .  197 
Paralytic  healed,  ....  64 

Paschal  lamb, 217 

Passion,  meaning  of  word,       .        .  192 
Passover,  feast  of  the,       .        .        .12 

last, 218 

preparations  for  the,        .  217 
Pentecost,  feast  of,  ...  272 

Perea, 151 

Peter,  an  apostle,  ....  73 
and  John  prepare  the  supper,  217 
and  John  visit  the  tomb,  .  259 
brought  to  Jesus,  .  .  31 

called, 59 

confession  of,  .  .  .119 
denies  Jesus,  .  .  .  .231 
denies  Jesus  a  third  time,  .  234 
Malchus  wounded  by  .  .  228 
walks  on  the  sea,  .  .  .109 

Pharisees, 15 

ask  for  signs  from  heav- 
en,   117 

question  Jesus,         .        .  201 

warned  by  Jesus,     .        .    88 

Philip,  an  apostle,     .        .        .        .74 

follows  Jesus,        .        .        .31 

Phylacteries, 15 

Pilate,  Pontius, .  .        .        .237 

condemns  Jesus,      .  244 


PAGE 

Pilate,  Pontius,  examines  Jesus,  238,  ~  11 
scourges  Jesus,  .  242 
sendsJesustoHcrod,  240 
warned  by  his  wife's 

dream,  .        .        .  241 
washes  his  hands,    .  244 
wishes  to  release 
Jesus,    .        .        .241 

Pool  of  Bethesda 67 

Prayer,  the  Lord's,    .        .        .79,  143 

Prayers  of  Jesus,      .    140,  172,  224,  220 

Preaching  tour,  first,  of  Jesus,         .    61 

second,    .        .        .87 

third,       .        .        .102 

Presentation  of  Jesus  in  the  temple,      8 

Priests,  daily  duty  of,       ...    20 

how  divided,       .       .       .20 

Prophecies  of  Jesus : 

destruction  of  Jerusalem,  .  191 
destruction  of  the  temple,  .  210 
fall  of  Peter,  ....  222 

first, 44 

of  his  own  death,    .        .  120, 183 

treason  of  Judas,     .        .        .  220 

Publicans, 65 

Rabbi, 110 

Resurrection  of  Jesus,      .        .        .  258 

of  Lazarus,  .        .        .  172 

Rich  young  ruler,      .        .        .        .179 

Roman  Empire,         ....      3 

Sabbath,  disciples  pluck  corn  on 

the, 71 

God  works  on  the,    .        .    70 
observances  of  the,   .        .    69 

Sadducees, 17 

questions  of  the,     .        .  203 

Salome  dances  for  Herod,        .        .  104 

Salome,  mother  of  James  and  John,  251 

at  the  tomb,         .        .        .257 

request  of,    .        .        .        .  183 

Samaritans, 48 

hated  by  the  Jews,       .    49 

refuse  to  receive  Jesus,  140 

religion  of  the,      .        .    48 

temple  of  the,        .        .    48 

Samaritan  woman  talks  with  Jesus,    48 

Sanhedrin, 29 


INDEX 


281 


PAGE 

Sanhedrin,  bribes  watch,  .       .       .  262 
condemns    Jesus    to 
death,  .        .        .        .  235 

morning  session  of  the,  .  235 
night  session  of  the,       .  232 
sends  to  arrest  Jesus,    .  131 
sends  to  question  John,    29 
takes   council   against 
Jesus,  ....  173 

Scourge,  the  Roman,        .        .        .  242 
Scourging  of  Jesus,  ....  242 

Scribes,      .        .        .        .        .        .18 

question  Jesus,  .  .  .  204 
Sermon  on  the  mount,  .  .  .74 
Seventy  sent  forth,  ....  139 

return, 140 

Shepherd  life  in  the  East,  .  .  138 
Shepherds,  announcement  to  the,  .  8 
Siloam,  pool  of,  ....  134 

Simeon, 8 

Simon  of  Cyrene,  ....  245 
Simon  Peter.  See  Petor. 
Simon  the  leper,  ....  188 
Simon  the  Pharisee,  ....  84 
Simon  Zelotes,  an  apostle,  .  .  74 
Social  customs  of  the  Jews,  .  .  85 
Sower,  parable  of  the,  .  .  .90 

Stabat  Mater, 251 

Stater  in  the  fish's  mouth,  .  .  12C 
Suicide  of  Judas,  .  .  .  .230 
Swine,  herd  of,  destroyed,  .  .  9G 

Sychar, 47 

Synagogue,  description  of,        .        .    54 

services  of,    .        .        .55 

Syrophenician  woman,     .        .        .114 

Tabernacles,  feast  of,  ...  128 
Jesus  at  the,  .  129 
last  day  of  the,  130 

Talents,  parable  of  the,    .        .        .213 

Tares,  parable  of  the,       .        .        .92 

Trmpi^t  stilled,         .        .        .        .95 

Temple,  description  of,    .        .        .36 

first  purging  of,  .        .        .    43 

how  lighted,       .        .        .132 

second  purgins  of,    .        .  194 

when  first  built,  .        .        .    34 

Temple,  the  Samaritan,    .       .       .48 


PAGE 

Temptations  of  Christ,  .  .  .20 
Ten  lepers  cleansed,  .  .  .  174 
Ten  virgins,  parable  of  the,  .  .  211 
Thaddeus.  See  Jude. 
Thieves,  the  two,  ....  250 
Thomas  Didymus,  an  apostle,  .  .  74 
doubts,  .  .  266 
doubts  removed,  267 
Transfiguration,  the,  .  .  .121 
Treasure  hid  in  a  field,  parable  of 

the, 94 

Trial  of  Jesus, 232 

Tribute  money,  ....  125 
Triumphal  entry,  the,  .  .  .  189 
Two  builders,  parable  of  the,  .  .  80 
Two  debtors,  parable  of  the,  .  .  80 
Two  sons,  parable  of  the,  .  .  196 

Unjust  judge,  parable  of  the,  .  .  170 
Unjust  steward,  parable  of  the,  .  163 
Unmerciful  servant,  parable  of  the,  128 
Unwashen  hands,  discourse  on,  .  113 

Via  dolorosa,     .....  240 

Walking  on  the  eea, .        .        .       .108 

Watchfulness,  discourse  on,    .        .  211 

Watch  set  over  the  tomb,        .        .  257 

bribed  by  Sanhedrin,   .        .  202 

report  of  the,        .        .        .201 

Water  made  wine,    .        ,       .       .32 

Wicked   husbandmen,    parable   of 

the, 197 

Widow  of  Nain,         .        .        .        .82 

Widow's  mite 207 

Woes  against  Pharisees,    .        .        .  206 
at  Pharisee's  table, .       .       .145 
Woman  of  Samaria,  ....    48 
Woman  anoints  Jesus  at  Simon's 

table,        ....    85 
touches  the  hem  of  Jesus' 

garment,  ....    98 
Women  visit  the  tomb,    .       .       .257 

Zaccheus, 185 

Zacharias, 19 

struck  dumb,  .        .        .21 
speech  of,  restored,        .    22 


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